The water authority set up a series of mini-hydro systems located throughout its distribution network, that combined, have a capacity of just over 10 megawatts.

The seven mini-hydro plants are located at reservoirs in Silvan, Preston, Notting Hill, Olinda, Mt View, Sugarloaf and at Upper Yarra Dam. The altitude of these reservoirs creates hydraulic head (water pressure) significantly higher than that required to transfer water. The mini-hydro systems harness this excess pressure, thereby utilising energy that would otherwise have been wasted.

Electricity generated by the seven mini-hydro systems is fed straight back into the grid for which Melbourne Water receives credit from their energy supplier AGL.

Supply and construction of the suite of mini-hydro plants was undertaken by Hydro Tasmania, and civil works were completed by Melbourne firm Geotechnical Engineering.

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The bigger picture

Melbourne Water embarked upon the mini-hydro project in pursuit of its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2018.

“Melbourne Water has mapped out its energy needs through to 2030 and this includes a clear commitment to sustainability, which is driven by our position as a high energy user and the potential impact of climate change on our operations,” says Rob Skinner, Managing Director of Melbourne Water.

The company’s carbon reduction efforts were recognised in 2010 when it was announced that the suite of mini-hydro systems had earned it a Banksia Award, one of the nation’s most highly regarded environmental awards. Specifically, Melbourne Water was bestowed with the Banksia Award for Harnessing the Opportunities of Clean Technology.