PROJECT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EMBRACING INNOVATION AT THE MELTON RECYCLED WATER PLANT
AN INNOVATIVE NEW WASTE TO ENERGY FACILITY HAS OPENED AT THE MELTON RECYCLED WATER PLANT THAT TREATS LIQUID WASTE FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES, WHICH IS THEN CONVERTED INTO BIOGAS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY. Waste to Energy facility waste receival bay – truck bringing liquid food waste to site. (Source: Greater Western Water)
The facility operated by Greater Western Water, makes clever use of the plant’s existing digester tank that normally converts sewage to biosolids but now also treats liquid food waste, processing up to 5,000 litres of waste each year. It is a clever use of technology that is good for the environment and reduces plant operating costs. 28
Renewable energy from both the facility and a recently constructed 500-kilowatt solar array will provide up to 100% of the Melton plant’s energy needs during peak periods. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 900 tonnes annually – the equivalent of taking 430 vehicles off the road each year. For Greater Western Water Project Manager Luke Wilson, the opening of the new facility is the culmination of several years of careful planning, from conception to scope, design and finally construction. “Part of my role at Greater Western Water involves maximising
