Melbourne Water wins Earth Award for bioenergy project

The Melbourne Water and John Holland-KBR Joint Venture has won an Earth Award for an innovative biogas handling system that supports the conversion of sewerage treatment gases into electricity, providing around 30% of the energy needed for Melbourne's Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP).  

The ETP Biogas Handling System Upgrade project won in the category of projects valued from $10 to $30 million for its work to improve power station availability and increase the amount of biogas that can be converted to sustainable energy.  

The industry-leading project takes a significant step toward achieving net zero at Melbourne Water by 2030 while addressing the challenge of forecasted population growth.  

“The biogas project is a critical part of Melbourne Water’s journey to decarbonisation and self-production of energy in our treatment process,” said Melbourne Water’s General Manager Major Capital Delivery, Craig Wills.   

"The joint effort between both project teams is an example of how we can deliver on behalf of the community to enhance liveability and help solve collective challenges like climate change."  

Both of Melbourne Water’s sewage treatment plants capture biogas to provide renewable electricity which reduces our emissions while turning a waste product into a valuable resource.  

The Civil Contractors Federation Victoria Earth Awards is an annual event that recognises and rewards excellence in civil construction. John Holland-KBR JV shared the honour with Melbourne Water as a valued delivery partner and for a successful project delivered safely on time, and under budget.  

This latest award follows a win for the ETP biogas project at the Australian Water Association National Awards in May.   

Learn more about Melbourne Water’s journey to net zero.