Zero Emissions Water (ZEW) Ltd started as a joint project between 13 water utilities in Victoria (now consolidated to 12), to purchase renewable energy from the Kiamal Solar Farm, Victoria’s largest solar farm located in Ouyen in the north west of the state.
This novel partnership between so many water utilities results in cheaper renewable power than if purchased individually. Participating water utilities benefit through lower emissions, while the contract also provides a hedge against rising grid-sourced energy costs. The outcome benefits the environment and creates savings for customers, helping to maintain steady water bills.
This case study is from Towards Resilience: Climate change and the urban water industry in Australia and New Zealand.