The push to transition away from fossil fuels is surging in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, with water operations to be powered by the sun.
Hunter Water has rolled out the first three stages of its overall plan to be entirely solar-powered. The first stage saw Hunter Water facilities become solar-powered thanks to a New South Wales’ Berejiklian government investment of $15 million.
The next cab off the rank was the 99.7kW (252 solar panel) system fully commissioned at Branxton Wastewater Treatment Works. Finally, 1200 solar panels were installed at Morpeth Wastewater Treatment Works for a massive 600kW system.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for Hunter Water
While there has been significant solar investment already, Hunter Water has big plans for the future.
Wastewater treatment plants at Kurri Kurri, Raymond Terrace and Boulder Bay will also be upgraded to be powered by the sun. The Branxton plant will have its solar installation upgraded in the next stage, while new systems will be installed at Cessnock and Shortland’s wastewater treatment facilities.
There will also be floating solar farms installed at Grahamstown Dam and Edgeworth Wastewater Treatment Works if that wasn’t enough.
Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary said the goal was to make all Hunter Valley water operations carbon neutral by 2030.
“Electricity is one of our major expenses, accounting for up to 10 per cent of our operating costs, and solar is one of a number of opportunities available that can help us reduce both costs and carbon emissions,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing the long-term benefits once all sites are operational, with the overall project expected to lower our carbon footprint by up to 10 per cent.
“Once completed, we estimate the renewable energy project will deliver a 12 per cent reduction in consumption per year and provide an annual saving of $1.15 million on our electricity costs.”
Renewable announcement the latest of many for the Hunter region
Long known for being coal country, the Hunter Valley is rapidly changing shape and becoming one of the biggest renewable hubs in Australia.
While the Federal Government is pressing forward with a $600 million natural gas plant, locals push in the other direction.
A consortium of local businesses has teamed up with global energy companies to turn the Hunter Valley into “Hydrogen Valley” with $2 billion in proposals to power hydrogen electrolysers. This will be used to create clean power, feedstock for mining, and fuel for transport and the Newcastle industrial sector.
The group is committed to going ahead even without government funding.
It is hoped that the second stage of this development will include green steel production using locally produced hydrogen. That would be a significant coup for Newcastle that was long known for its reputation as a steel city – and a significant boost for the environment and future sustainability.
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