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Renewable energy

It takes a lot of electricity to run a water and wastewater system. 

Pumps, aeration and treatment equipment run 24/7 to keep water flowing and wastewater treated safely. That’s why electricity is one of our biggest operational footprints. 

From 1 July 2025, 100 per cent of the electricity we use is matched with renewable generation under market-based accounting. In simple terms: the electricity we buy is backed by renewable energy. 

Where our renewable energy comes from

We use a mix of sources so we’re not relying on just one approach: 

  • Long-term solar and wind power purchase agreements 
  • Sector-wide renewable energy purchasing through the Zero Emissions Water program 
  • On-site solar at our facilities 
  • Electricity generated from biogas at water recycling plants 
  • Hydroelectric generation 

This mix helps us reduce emissions, manage electricity costs, and build a more reliable supply. 

Our electricity profile (2024-2025)

  • Total electricity used: 33,590 megawatt-hours 
  • Renewable electricity generated on-site: 4,171 megawatt-hours 
  • Large-scale Generation Certificates surrendered: 29,420 

Together, these mechanisms match our electricity use with renewable generation. 

Power purchase agreement

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a long-term contract that supports renewable electricity generation. 

It helps us: 

  • Lock in more stable electricity pricing over time 
  • Reduce exposure to wholesale electricity price spikes 
  • Support new renewable projects, including in Victoria 

Through the Zero Emissions Water program, Victorian water organisations combine demand to access large renewable projects like the Kiamal Solar Farm and Cherry Tree Wind Farm. 

Making renewable energy where we treat wastewater

We also generate renewable electricity at some of our own sites. 

Biogas to electricity 

Wastewater contains organic material. When it breaks down, it can produce biogas. At selected water recycling plants, we capture that biogas and use it in combined heat and power systems to generate electricity for on-site use. 

Solar on-site 

Solar installations at our facilities (including our head office) help reduce how much electricity we need from the grid, especially during the day when many of our systems are working hard. 

On-site generation also improves resilience, because it means we’re less dependent on external electricity supply. 

Using less energy matters too

Renewable electricity is part of the solution, but using less energy is just as important. 

We keep reducing demand by: 

  • Upgrading major equipment  
  • Improving how we run and tune existing assets 
  • Designing new infrastructure with energy performance in mind 

Lower electricity demand reduces cost risk over time and helps keep our services affordable. 

Related information

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