GWMWater has entered into an agreement with Vibe Energy to co-develop a Renewable Energy Facility at Nhill.
It is the organisation’s first venture into larger scale energy generation with direct connection into the local electricity grid and will offset 70% of GWMWater’s total electricity demand.
The facility, which includes a 2.75 MW (6 MWh) battery, will be located off the Western Highway, behind the Nhill Trailer Exchange, and generate 6.2 MW of solar energy. This is the equivalent of around 1,000 residential rooftop systems.
Construction will commence once planning approvals are finalised and the facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
GWMWater Managing Director, Mark Williams, said the project was part of the organisation’s broader clean energy strategy and is a major step towards GWMWater becoming a carbon neutral net-generator of electricity.
“GWMWater is committed to securing 100% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2025 and becoming carbon neutral by 2035.” he said.
“The Nhill facility, along with solar generation that has been installed at 59 other GWMWater sites, will enable us to become more self-sufficient in locally generating the energy we need to operate water and wastewater services.”
“GWMWater is well placed to leverage its existing assets, systems and customer relationships, combined with new energy generation assets – such as the Nhill Renewable Energy Facility – to become a net-generator of electricity and supply local businesses and communities.”
Vibe Energy’s Dean Panos said the company was looking forward to partnering with GWMWater to boost the local market.
“Vibe Energy is excited to be playing a role in facilitating GWMWater’s energy transition, which will allow locally generated renewable energy to service local demand”.
Significant progress has already been made in implementing GWMWater’s Clean Energy Strategy with ‘behind the meter’ solar installations generating 2.3 MW of renewable energy. This energy is used at GWMWater sites primarily to reduce grid electricity demand.
Quote attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing
“Victoria’s water corporations are leading the nation with their target of 100 percent renewable energy for their operations by 2025, helping to cut emissions without increasing customer bills.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“GWMWater is taking control of its own energy future by installing local renewable electricity that will help power their operations, cutting down their emissions and cutting the cost of electricity."
