The Winneke Water Treatment Plant in Melbourne’s north-east is to be powered by solar energy with the completion of a new solar farm spanning 10 hectares.
Welcoming the completion of the project, Minister for Water, Harriet Shing said the Winneke Treatment Plant solar farm boasted 19,000 solar panels, which would generate approximately 12,400 megawatt hours of power each year – the equivalent of powering 2,500 houses annually – and prevent 12,000 tonnes of emissions.
“The solar farm will begin operations later this year, with the power it produces to be used by the Winneke Treatment Plant – an essential part of Melbourne’s water distribution network and the third largest user of energy in Melbourne Water’s infrastructure portfolio. Any excess power will be fed into the grid,” Ms Shing said.
“The solar farm spans across 10 hectares and uses the latest technology tracking sensors combined with rotational motors to allow for maximum sun exposure and energy generation year-round,” she said.
“The solar farm also includes a walking track around the facility, allowing the public to see the solar panels in action.”
Ms Shing said the solar farm was one of a number of projects underway across the water sector to generate renewable energy and reduce emissions, as part of the sector’s target of achieving net zero by 2035.
She said a net zero water sector by 2035 would mean the industry had reduced its annual emissions by almost 900,000 tonnes per year – the equivalent to the annual emissions produced by more than 250,000 cars on Victoria’s roads.
