Water authority energised by bio grant

THE State’s Waste to Energy Bioenergy Fund has provided a grant to Central Highlands Water.

Worth $60,000 the funding package is set to boost the organisation’s aim to produce renewable energy from organic matter.

CHW is seeking to use forestry timber leftovers from felled pine plantations to produce bioenergy and be part of a broader circular economy.

This wood could be made into biomass products like fuel pellets, be part of cogeneration and biosolids processes at wastewater treatment plants, and generate heat and power for CHW sites.

“We are pleased to explore this project, which will improve our operations, reduce waste and greenhouse gases,” said CHW managing director Jeff Haydon.

“This project is underpinned by CHW’s 2040 Strategy in setting our future ambition for the region and outlining our vision of fostering sustainable living, thriving communities, and a healthy environment.”

CHW has a 2035 net-zero emissions goal and runs more than 1200 hectares of pine plantations throughout the region on water authority land.

The shift to bioenergy is a contrast to usual practices which have seen the heaping and burning of 6400 tonnes of timber annually.

Ten million dollars is being granted to businesses and organisations across the state as part of the Victorian Government’s Waste to Energy Bioenergy Fund.

The fund’s aim is to boost innovative projects and business models in the bioenergy space and encourage best practice.

The grants will enable a variety of groups like the water authority to fast track their transition to renewables, help them lessen their greenhouse gas emissions, and waste creation.