Victoria’s Black Rock Solar Project Under Way

Construction has commenced on the Black Rock Solar Project, the first of six PV projects for Victoria’s Barwon Water.

The Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant treats the majority of the Geelong region’s sewage, processing approximately 50 million litres of blackwater each day. Once filtered and cleaned, the water is sent to a holding lagoon before being used by local farmers or undergoing further treatment. Dewatered sludge is dried and used as a fertilizer.

Stage 1 of the $3.4 million Black Rock Solar Project will see more than 2,800 solar panels installed at the facility, which will generate approximately 1.3 gigawatt hours of electricity annually. The solar electricity produced will meet around 13 per cent of the plant’s energy requirements and save $185,000 in annual operation costs.

Stage 2 will involve a larger installation – a 2MW facility that is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

As well as Black Rock, Barwon Water is also fast-tracking 99kW solar power systems at five of its other sites.

“These projects will have a long-term cost benefit as well as helping us meet global targets for emission reduction,” said  Barwon Water Managing Director Tracey Slatter. “We want to ensure our facilities are working as efficiently as possible and by investing in environmental efficiencies it helps to create a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Barwon Water is aiming to run on 100% renewables by 2025 and reach zero net emissions by 2030.

Earlier this year, Barwon Water Chairman Jo Plummer said electricity use is responsible for 81 per cent of the organisation’s carbon emissions profile. The first stage of the Black Rock Solar Project will achieve a 5 per cent reduction in its overall electricity-related emissions.

Barwon Water also operates a wind turbine at Breamlea, which is Victoria’s longest operating wind turbine. Originally installed in November, 1987, Barwon Water purchased the turbine in 2003 and restored it into service in early 2004.

The solar projects are part the Victorian Government’s $537 million Water for Victoria initiative.

Solar power is becoming an increasingly common sight at wastewater treatment plants around Australia. Just yesterday, we mentioned a 99kW floating solar power station is currently being constructed at a plant in Lismore, New South Wales. According to Lismore City Council, it will be the largest floating solar installation in Australia to date.