The circular economy future

The upgrade is the first step towards a broader resource recovery hub. North East Water is exploring several ways to recover more value from wastewater and organic waste.

Renewable biomethane

The new plant can produce about 50 to 70 terajoules of biogas each year. With more investment and suitable trade waste, this could increase to about 150 terajoules. North East Water and Australian Gas Infrastructure Group are assessing whether the gas could be upgraded into renewable biomethane and added to the local gas network.

Biochar

North East Water produces about 10,000 tonnes of biosolids from its wastewater treatment plants across the region each year. A recent trial tested whether biosolids and other organic material could be heated with little or no oxygen to make biochar. There are many potential uses for biochar including water treatment, land reclamation, and carbon sequestration. This work has informed a business case for a possible $20 million facility that could process up to 20,000 tonnes of material each year.

Purified recycled water

North East Water is working with Victoria University to investigate highly treated recycled water for industrial uses, including hydrogen production, pet food manufacturing and abattoirs. Supplying water at a steady temperature may also help the plant and local businesses save energy.

Heat recovery

North East Water is also investigating whether heat produced at the site could be captured and reused.

These opportunities are at different stages. They would need more investigation, partnerships, approvals and investment before going ahead.