Barwon Water achieves full switch to renewables

BARWON Water’s services are now being delivered by net-zero emissions electricity, a full year ahead of its

2025 target.

In a major milestone, the organisation now has all of its facilities being powered by 100 per cent renewables.

Victorian Minister for Water Harriet Shing and Minister for Climate Lily D’Ambrosio were among those to join Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming and guests at Barwon Water’s Torquay tank to celebrate

the achievement.

Mr Cumming said the milestone was the result of a long-term commitment to sustainability and regional prosperity.

“We’re proud to achieve 100 per cent renewable electricity.

“It has been made possible through collaboration with our regional stakeholders and water sector peers, and the support of our customers.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to a healthier environment and providing essential water and wastewater services in the most sustainable way possible.”

Since adopting its own 100 per cent renewables target in 2016, Barwon Water has invested in an array of projects across the region.

These include the first megawatt-scale solar installation in the Australian water industry at Black Rock near 13th Beach.

The Colac Renewable Organic Network was also developed to convert organic waste from the Australian Lamb Company and Bulla Dairy Foods into renewable electricity and hot water.

Barwon Water has also levered strategic partnerships with Barwon Health and GeelongPort, among others.

“In addition to reducing carbon emissions, these investments are also reducing energy costs, putting downward pressure on customer bills and generating revenue from surplus electricity,” Mr Cumming said.

He said Barwon Water remained committed to driving progress forward towards the broader goal of reaching net-zero emissions.

“We are strongly focused on our 2030 target of achieving net-zero emissions across our operations and doing it in a way that reduces energy costs.

“This includes tackling direct emissions from wastewater treatment processes and transitioning to a zero-emissions vehicle fleet.”