Yarra Valley Water is developing an innovative Waste to Energy facility in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, which will be the first of its kind in Australia.
The purpose built facility will convert organic waste destined for landfills into energy – reducing energy costs, waste to landfill and greenhouse gas emissions.
Andrew Edney, Manager Innovation and Growth said that the ambitious project is part of the utility’s approach to operating its facilities within the carrying capacity of nature, delivering better outcomes for the environment and customers.
“Local residents and members of the public are welcome to come along to an information session to see the final design and ask any questions they may have” said Mr Edney.
“We are designing the Waste to Energy facility to sit next to our existing sewage treatment plant in Aurora. A detailed selection process was carried out to determine the most appropriate site for the first facility. Aurora was chosen as it is in close proximity to organic waste sources, has access to a major arterial road and there is a large buffer from residential and commercial premises.
“The Waste to Energy facility will provide an environmentally friendly disposal solution for organic wastes that cannot be composted. It’s a great solution for reusing organic waste that would otherwise go to landfill. The project will generate enough biogas to run the facility and the existing Sewage Treatment Plant by co-digesting sewage sludge with organic waste trucked to the site.
“Instead of treating our sludge as waste, we’re treating it as a product with value that can be reused to create and capture methane gas resulting in significant environmental and cost benefits” said Mr Edney.
