The 2024 winners of the prestigious Climate Innovation Challenge have been announced, with South East Water, Gippsland Water, North East Water and Goulburn Murray Water all claiming a share of the rewards.
South East Water and RMIT University’s groundbreaking method for producing green hydrogen from solar radiation and recycled water earned $113,000 in Victorian Government funding after taking the top honours.
This world-first technology uses a floating modular platform to convert solar radiation and recycled water into green hydrogen and valuable oxidants like ozone and hydrogen peroxide.
The project harnesses recycled water and solar power to reduce carbon emissions, tackle energy challenges and improve water quality.
South East Water Managing Director, Lara Olsen, said the accolade reflects the utility’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“We’re proud to see our innovation recognised on such a prestigious platform and we’re grateful to RMIT University for their work in delivering this submission.
“This achievement highlights the enormous potential for our industry to lead the way in addressing climate challenges.
“By transforming recycled water into clean energy and enhancing water treatment processes, this project demonstrates a real-world solution to achieving net zero goals,” Ms Olsen said.
Project Lead, Dr Li Gao, said the project demonstrated the true value of collaboration between universities and industry.
“The photocatalytic system is a scientific breakthrough, but it is only by working with industry partners such as South East Water that we are able convert excellent research discoveries like this into real industry and community benefits,” he said.
“We’re proud to support the water industry’s leadership in this space and partnering to roll this solution out more widely in future.”
South East Water and RMIT University aim to develop the technology for future full-scale rollout across Victorian water utilities.
The latest $113,000 in funding – along with $120,000 from South East Water and $130,000 from RMIT University – will fund development of a small-scale prototype to bring the technology to life.
The floating hydrogen production system is designed to be scalable and adaptable, making it suitable for reservoirs, lagoons and other water bodies.
South East Water said the project aligns with its 2028 Corporate Strategy to innovate with purpose, and act with care – with a focus on driving innovation at scale.
Now in its second year, the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge is a collaboration between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, the Intelligent Water Networks and the Victorian Minister for Water to promote innovation in the water sector.
In 2023, South East Water received a special commendation for its project focused on monitoring emissions from aerobic digesters.
Gippsland Water was also bubbling with innovation, and as the first runner-up the utility is set to receive $50,000 from the prize pool to trial new energy efficient aeration technology at the Neerim South wastewater treatment plant.
The technology, called nanobubble oxygenation, aims to reduce the amount of electricity used during the wastewater treatment process.
Gippsland Water Managing Director, Sarah Cumming, said the trial could help lower energy consumption and costs, if successful.
“Nanobubble oxygenation works by making the aeration process more efficient by producing smaller bubbles and reducing the operational time of other, more energy-intensive, equipment like pumps and motors.
“If the trial is successful, we’d look to permanently install the nanobubble oxygenation unit at Neerim South and investigate opportunities at other sites.
“We’ll also share our findings with the rest of the water industry.”
The six-month trial is scheduled to begin in January 2025 and will be completed in partnership with Custom Fluids.
A joint project, Nutrient Sponge Booms for Algae Control Using Biochar in Water Supply Systems, from North East Water and Goulburn Murray Water was the second runner-up, and is set to receive $60,000 in funding from the Victorian Government.
Nutrient Sponge Booms for Algae Control Using Biochar in Water Supply Systems from North East Water and Goulburn Murray Water was the second runner-up, receiving $60,000.
To find out more about the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge visit, www.climateinnovationchallenge.org.au
Featured image: South East Water
