The Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) has launched a trial in the State’s northeast to reduce carbon emissions by converting household sewage and green waste into biochar.
Announcing the trial in Wangaratta the Minister for Water, Harriet Shing said biochar was a carbon-rich material made from biomass.
Ms Shing said that if successful, the trial could lead to a major new facility and the creation of jobs for the region.
“The ground-breaking trial will see biosolids from Wangaratta’s wastewater treatment plant mixed with the city’s green waste then processed into biochar in Melbourne,” Ms Shing said.
“The carbon-rich form of charcoal is used in to improve soil health and boost agricultural productivity,” she said.
“If the Wangaratta waste streams are proven to be suitable during the trial, a local facility will be considered to process large volumes of biochar for possible use on the region’s farmland with the potential to generate jobs for the region.”
Ms Shing said that the trial conducted in partnership with North East Water, Gippsland Water and the Intelligent Water Network, would also inform the planned expansion of Gippsland Water’s organics recycling business at Dutson Downs – one of the largest circular economy operations in Victoria.
“Victoria’s water sector is leading the charge towards reaching its target if net zero emissions by 2035 and helping create a thriving circular economy for Victoria,” the Minister said.
