Melbourne Water and John Holland-KBR have won an Earth Award for their innovative biogas handling system, which converts sewerage treatment gases into electricity and provides approximately 30 per cent of the energy needed for its Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP).
The ETP Biogas Handling System Upgrade project won in the category of projects valued from $10 to $30 million for its work to improve power station availability and increase the amount of biogas that can be converted to sustainable energy.
The industry-leading project takes a significant step toward Melbourne Water’s goal to achieve net zero by 2030 and addresses the challenge of forecasted population growth.
Melbourne Water General Manager Major Capital Delivery, Craig Wills, said that the biogas project is a critical part of Melbourne Water’s journey to decarbonisation and self-production of energy in its treatment process.
“The joint effort between both project teams is an example of how we can deliver on behalf of the community to enhance liveability and help solve collective challenges like climate change,” Mr Wills said.
Both of Melbourne Water’s sewage treatment plants capture biogas to provide renewable electricity, which reduces emissions and turns a waste product into a valuable resource.
The Civil Contractors Federation Victoria Earth Awards is an annual event that recognises and rewards excellence in civil construction. John Holland-KBR JV shared the honour with Melbourne Water as a valued delivery partner and for a successful project delivered safely on time, and under budget.
This latest award follows a win for the ETP biogas project at the Australian Water Association National Awards in May 2024.
Learn more about Melbourne Water’s journey to net zero: www.melbournewater.com.au/water-and-environment/climate-change/our-path-net-zero
Featured image: Melbourne Water and John Holland-KBR Joint Venture team. Image: CCF Victoria/Pulse Photography, courtesy of Melbourne Water.
