Renewable wind energy to power Portland treatment plants

19 May 2016

Portland’s credentials as a renewable energy centre are to be boosted further, with an innovative project to be constructed at the city’s water reclamation plant.

At the Olearia Road plant earlier today, Wannon Water Chair Jacinta Ermacora announced the water corporation will construct a $2.4 million wind generator and produce its own renewable energy to power Portland’s energy-intensive water and sewage treatment facilities.

Ms Ermacora said the Portland Renewable Energy Project will help deliver reductions in customer water bills, improve Wannon Water’s environmental performance and, it is believed, make Portland the first city in Australia to achieve net-zero emissions from on-site renewable power generation for its water and sewerage systems.

“This exciting project is consistent with Wannon Water’s commitment to business excellence and customer value, and will further enhance Portland’s reputation as a renewable energy hub,” she said.

“The project involves constructing a wind generator at our water reclamation plant site and connecting it directly to the water and sewage treatment facilities near the coast south of Portland to power both sites.

“This will significantly reduce our energy costs, with the savings passed on to customers.   “Using the best technology available, this project will provide a net-zero emissions energy supply for Portland’s treatment plants, and reduce Wannon Water’s overall greenhouse gas emissions by a further 8% per year on top of the 23% reduction already achieved since 2006/07.   “Portland, with its world-class wind resources, is the ideal location for producing wind energy, and one generator will provide enough power to operate both Wannon Water treatment plants.”

Once operational, the wind generator will produce more than 2GWh of renewable energy a year, but will be smaller than other generators already installed along Portland’s coast.

In planning for this project, Wannon Water consulted with neighbouring property owners, with the majority expressing their support for the concept and a clear preference for the generator to be located behind the existing water reclamation plant.

Wannon Water is currently finalising design and contractual arrangements and expects works to start on site later this year. Completion is scheduled for mid-2017, pending supplier delivery.

“Wannon Water prides itself on demonstrating leadership in innovation, water supply security and implementing ideas to support future growth and regional prosperity,” Ms Ermacora said.

“The Portland Renewable Energy Project is an excellent example of how that innovative thinking can deliver multiple benefits for our customers, the environment and the communities we serve.”

The $2.4 million project also results in Wannon Water exceeding $30 million in infrastructure investment in Portland over recent years, resulting in 60-70 construction jobs.

Further information about this project is available by calling 1300 926 666.