The Hunter region’s strong industrial base and skilled workforce position it well to take advantage of economic and environmental benefits from the shift to net zero. A crucial part of this transition involves reducing emissions from existing industries, with Hunter Water playing a central role. The state-owned corporation, which provides water and wastewater services to more than 600,000 people in the Lower Hunter, has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2035.
Hunter Water’s operations currently produce around 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, with fossil fuel-based electricity making up 70% of its carbon footprint. Managing Director Darren Cleary acknowledges the need to reduce both emissions and costs.
“Electricity is one of our major expenses, accounting for up to 10% of our operating costs,” he says. “Generating electricity from solar energy is one of a number of opportunities that can help reduce these costs and carbon emissions.”
Investing in Renewable Energy and Efficiency
To support this goal, Hunter Water has invested more than $15 million in its Onsite Renewable Energy Program. The program has seen renewable energy systems installed at 15 sites across its network. But solar power is only one part of the broader plan to reduce emissions. Other initiatives include:
- Improving energy efficiency in pumping and aeration systems
- Exploring small-scale hydro power generation
- Investigating lower-emission vehicle options
- Looking at ways to generate electricity from biosolids to power treatment plants
- Purchasing electricity from renewable sources
- Supporting research through the ARC Training Centre for Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource
Multisite Solar Upgrades Already Making Change
Hunter Water have committed $15 million to installing solar power systems at treatment plants and pump stations. The initiative has already delivered over six megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, contributing to Hunter Water’s target of net zero emissions by 2035.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are now operating at several sites, including Dungog, Tanilba Bay, and Karuah wastewater treatment plants, as well as Balickera Pump Station. The most recent and largest project, the 3.1MW Balickera Park Solar Project, saw around 5,500 solar panels installed across three hectares, supplying power to water pumps and other essential infrastructure. This installation has doubled Hunter Water’s previous solar generation capacity and will supply power to critical infrastructure.
Additional solar projects, totalling 450kW, are under construction at Shortland, North Lambton, and Dungog, with completion expected soon. These will bring the total installed renewable energy capacity to 6.5MW as part of the first phase of the Onsite Renewable Energy Program. Plans are also underway for a 450kW solar installation and a 300kW battery storage system at Cessnock.
