About the project

Barwon Water is constructing the Colac Renewable Organics Network (RON). The Colac RON will help our water reclamation plant in Colac run on clean, green and low-cost energy.

The works commenced in August 2022 and is expected to be completed by mid 2024, with commissioning works starting in late March 2024.

We are working with the Colac-based Australian Lamb Company and Bulla Dairy Foods to take their organic trade waste and convert it into renewable electricity.

When complete in mid 2024, the Colac RON will produce 5.5 gigawatt hours of energy – enough to completely power the Colac water reclamation plant, as well as produce hot water that can be sent back to the Australian Lamb Company via an innovative hot water pipeline.

The upgrade will significantly reduce the high energy cost of treating sewage and wastewater, helping to keep Barwon Water customers’ bills affordable, cater for future growth of the area and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the site by 6,300 tonnes per year.