Exciting progress has been made on a major upgrade, with renewable electricity now being produced at the Colac Water Reclamation Plant.

Managing Director Shaun Cumming said stage two of the Colac Renewable Organics Network (RON) was completed in late 2024, increasing the capacity of the plant’s energy system.

“This allows us to produce more renewable electricity, and to transfer hot water to a key industry partner via an innovative pipeline,” he said.

It will take some time to build capacity, but electricity production is expected to reach 5.5 gigawatt hours of renewable energy per year - equivalent to the needs of 1100 households.

This will fully power the Colac Water Reclamation Plant, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the site by up to 4,200 tonnes per year.

It will also produce and transfer hot water the Australian Lamb Company, which will significantly reduce ALC’s reliance on natural gas for heating water.

Barwon Water is also working with Australian Lamb Company and Bulla Dairy Foods to take their organic trade waste and convert it into renewable electricity.

“This major project will significantly cut the high energy cost of treating sewage and wastewater, helping to keep Barwon Water customers’ bills affordable and curb greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Cumming said.

Further upgrades to the Colac Water Reclamation Plant are progressing and are expected to be completed in mid-2025.