Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said South East Water will generate renewable power from a mini-hydro electric generator which uses the pressure in the water mains system at Hallam.

“The project highlights the kind of practical renewable energy projects made possible by the Brumby Government’s Renewable Energy Support Fund, which assists the development of innovative medium-scale renewable energy projects,” Mr Jennings said.

“The Brumby Government is taking action on climate change and this 215 KW mini hydro generator will produce energy for about 160 homes in the south-east metropolitan region and will save over 1,100 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year.”

South East Water has installed a mini-hydro power generator in its water supply system at an existing pressure reducing station. Energy made available through pressure reduction is now converted into renewable energy rather than wasted.

The mini generator, which has been installed between the mains and distribution pipe system, allows South East Water to solve this problem and to provide renewable power back into the grid.

It is the first time such a generator has been installed in the water network in Victoria at a pressure reducing station.

When all projects are complete, the Renewable Energy Support Fund will add more than 11 megawatts of clean generating capacity to Victoria’s electricity supply. 

The projects will also collectively reduce Victorian greenhouse gas emissions by around 140,000 tonnes per year.