Barwon Water will engage in an innovative new project to oxygen by-product to make wastewater treatment more effective thanks to funding from an independent federal government agency.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced a commitment of $3 million in funding for the Green Oxygen for Wastewater Treatment project.
Through the project Barwon Water will investigate the use of pure oxygen to treat water more efficiently and reduce wastewater treatment plant emissions.
The oxygen used will be produced as a by-product by the Viva Energy Hub’s new hydrogen refuelling station, which will itself use recycled water supplied by Barwon Water and renewable energy to produce hydrogen.
Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said the project aligned with the organisation’s strategy to enable regional prosperity through innovation, strategic partnerships and renewable energy.
“This innovative project aims to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency by using oxygen-enriched air,” Mr Cumming said.
“By doing so, our plants can operate more efficiently, consume less energy, and have longer lifespans, ultimately leading to cost savings at every stage.”
Mr Cumming said the project was an important step towards a circular economy at Barwon Water’s Northern Water Plant.
“The circular process involves treating wastewater at the Northern Water Plant, which is then used by Viva Energy to produce renewable hydrogen,” he said.
“Pure oxygen that would ordinarily be released to the atmosphere is then used by Barwon Water to enhance the treatment of wastewater which ultimately ends up as recycled water.
“Between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of the energy used for wastewater treatment is used by the aeration process, so we hope to reduce that considerably.”
Barwon Water also announced its purchase of a hydrogen-powered prime mover, the first of its kind in Victoria, as part of the decarbonisation of its fleet of maintenance and service vehicles.
