Melbourne Water has won an Earth Award for its biogas-to-electricity project.

Melbourne Water, in collaboration with John Holland-KBR, has been recognised for the biogas project, which significantly enhances the energy efficiency of Melbourne’s Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP). 

The system converts gases produced during sewage treatment into electricity, supplying approximately 30 per cent of the energy needed by the plant.

The ETP Biogas Handling System Upgrade project, won in the $10 to $30 million project category at the Civil Contractors Federation Victoria Earth Awards.

Melbourne Water’s General Manager Major Capital Delivery, Craig Wills, described the project as crucial to the organisation’s efforts toward decarbonisation. 

“The biogas project is a critical part of Melbourne Water’s journey to decarbonisation and self-production of energy in our treatment process,” he said. 

Wills also noted the importance of collaborative efforts, stating that the joint venture demonstrated how working together can help the community address collective challenges such as climate change.

Both of Melbourne Water’s sewage treatment plants capture biogas, using it to generate electricity, reducing emissions and transforming a waste product into a valuable resource.

John Holland-KBR JV, the delivery partner for the project, shared the award for its role in ensuring the project was completed on time and within budget. 

This partnership also contributed to the ETP biogas project winning an award earlier this year at the Australian Water Association National Awards in May.