As we enter 2025, we take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the 2023 and 2024 Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge and look ahead to the next wave of innovation. Over the past two years, the challenge has highlighted groundbreaking solutions from across the sector, demonstrating the power of creativity and collaboration in addressing climate challenges.
In 2023, four submissions received funding, and their projects have made significant progress, delivering promising outcomes.
2023 Updates
Meta-analysis of low carbon cement alternatives for water industry applications
Valley Water, Barwon Water, North East Water
Since winning the 2023 Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge, Yarra Valley Water, Barwon Water, and North East Water have developed a new guide and database of low-carbon concrete alternatives for immediate use in Victoria’s water industry. Concrete production accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions, and this project identified sustainable options—like mixes incorporating slag, fly ash, and geopolymers—that meet industry standards and can significantly reduce emissions. The project also introduced a Low Carbon Concrete Mix Selection Tool to support adoption across the sector. Learn more about these innovative solutions here.
Scope 1 emissions direct & real-time monitoring on aerobic digester
South-East Water
Following the 2023 Water Minister Climate Innovation Challenge, South East Water concluded design development of the emissions monitoring system and has been procuring equipment for Mt Martha, the largest treatment plant in our service area. The procurement process is currently underway, with the tender expected to be awarded by end of 2024. Concurrently, we have been collaborating with the University of Queensland as part of their Australian Research Council (ARC) project in N2O monitoring. The UQ team has reviewed our equipment location drawings and monitoring process, providing valuable feedback.
In 2025, we plan to begin installing the equipment and start monitoring.
Cellulose Recovery
Barwon Water
“The Cellulose Recovery Project, led by Barwon Water, explored the innovative potential of recovering cellulose from wastewater to support circular economy objectives. With funding from the 2023 Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge, the project assessed the feasibility of implementing the Cellvation process at Black Rock WWTP, Barwon Water’s largest wastewater reclamation plant. The study confirmed the technical feasibility of the process and identified key considerations, including operational risks, market development, and regulatory challenges. While the local market for recycled cellulose is still in its infancy, the project has laid the groundwork for future exploration, including further market research, stakeholder engagement, and evaluating potential applications for recovered cellulose.”
Donald Community Power Plant study
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water
A very quick update on the Donald Community Power Plant study:
- Draft feasibility study has been completed, with outcome that the project is feasible subject to connection agreement from the distributor (Powercor);
- Community consultation is in progress with positive reception so far;
- A funding application has been made to DEECA under the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program (round 2); and
- Collateral is being prepared to apply for implementation funding Regional Microgrids Program from ARENA.
For 2024, the funded submissions have only just started their work, but we are excited to see what happens this year with each of their projects. Beyond the funded submissions, the challenge celebrated the creativity and vision of a number of finalists in both 2023 and 2024 and for the 2024 finalists might continue further and see some great results.
The 2024 funded projects are still in the early stages, and we look forward to seeing their impact unfold over the coming year. Beyond the funded projects, the challenge has also celebrated the vision and ingenuity of numerous finalists. Many of these projects continue to develop, with the potential to deliver meaningful results.
To explore the final pitches from the 2023 and 2024 challenges, learn more about the funded submissions and finalists, and stay updated on their progress, visit the Climate Innovation Challenge website here.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for the 2025 challenge, we encourage you to start thinking about your next innovative solution. Addressing climate change requires bold ideas and collaborative approaches, and we look forward to seeing what the water industry will achieve next.
Let’s continue driving progress together.
