27 July 2008
RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE SUGARLOAF PIPELINE
From the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance
Renewable energy will power the pumping stations that will transfer Melbourne’s share of the water saved by the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project.
Rod Clifford, Project Director with the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance, said the two pumping stations required to move 75 billion litres in water savings across steep terrain to Melbourne would have a zero net impact on carbon emissions.
“It’s appropriate that a project to help address the impacts of climate change is itself minimising greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mr Clifford.
“Power for the two pumping stations will be offset through the purchase of energy from renewable sources, such as wind generators.
“Melbourne Water is also looking at the viability of generating some of this energy itself through hydro power at the downstream end of the pipeline,” added Mr Clifford.
One pumping station is expected to be located at the Goulburn River, about five kilometres north of Yea. The second is likely to be positioned about three kilometres south of Yea, near the Melba Highway.
Both stations will consist of five pumps, each driven by an electric motor. The total energy use of all pumps is estimated at around 70,000 megawatt hours per annum. This level of demand is likely to trigger more private sector investment in renewable energy.
Melbourne Water, as one of the four-member Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance, has set a target of cutting net greenhouse gas emissions from its operations to zero by 2018.
Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846