Melbourne Water is proposing a plan to develop a new solar farm at its Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP) in Bangholme and has released an Expression of Interest (EOI) as part of the plan.
The proposed solar farm would generate renewable electricity to help meet the power needs of the treatment plant.
The Expression of Interest document is also calling for proposals to help establish a second solar farm at the Winneke Water Treatment Plant near Christmas Hills.
The plan comes as part of Melbourne Water’s commitment to reducing its net carbon emissions to zero by 2030.
The proposed solar farms are one initiative designed to help meet this ambitious goal and will play a role alongside other projects including hydro-power stations and the transition of Melbourne Water’s car fleet to zero emissions vehicles.
The establishment of a new, on-site solar farm to help power ETP is a practical way for Melbourne Water to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change.
Both solar farm projects are still in the planning stage and the EOI process will assist with the development of designs.
The Expression of Interest period will close on 27 November 2018.
Melbourne Water will apply for permits under the relevant local Council planning schemes which will include an opportunity for public comment before any preliminary works can commence at either site.
The community will be provided with an update regarding the outcomes of the EOI process including the details of any proposed development at ETP and Winneke when further information is available.
Interested parties can contact Melbourne Water on call 1800 931 978.
