June 14th, 2023Solar arrays help water managers tackle environmental footprint

Central Highlands Water has reduced its environmental footprint by using solar to power its water and wastewater treatment plants, the local water manager says.
Since their installation in 2020, CHW solar arrays have generated enough electricity to
power 995 average households for a year. Electricity is generated from 6,336 solar panels at
5 of CHW’s water and wastewater treatment plants.
General Manager Infrastructure Planning and Operations, Paul Donohue, said, “The solar
arrays are generating around 40% of the power needed for 2 major treatment plants, making
our plants more energy efficient as part of our approach to a more sustainable future.”
“During 2022, 2,575 tonnes of carbon were avoided from grid electricity. The solar facilities
produced 3,029,000 kwh of electricity last year and through solar generation, 8,688 tonnes
of carbon (CO2) emissions have been avoided,” said Mr Donohue.
“Our commitment to customers over the next 5 years is that 100% electricity will come from
renewable sources by 2025. We will reduce total emissions by 55% by 2028 and be net-zero
by 2035,” he said.
This project is underpinned by CHW’s 2040 Strategy – setting our future ambition for the
region and outlining our vision of fostering sustainable living, thriving communities, and a
healthy environment.
The Victorian Government’s Statement of Obligations (Emission Reduction) commits the
water industry to sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources and achieving
net-zero emissions by 2035.
“We are striving to meet our zero emissions target earlier than 2035. We will achieve this
through energy efficiencies and sourcing 100% renewable energy, electrifying our corporate
fleet and reducing methane from wastewater treatment,” Mr Donohue said.
Victoria’s water sector is leading the way, being the first in Australia to commit to net-zero
emissions by 2035.