A new program to help reduce carbon emissions by converting household sewage and green waste into biochar, a carbon-rich material made from biomass, is to be trialled in Wangaratta. If successful, the trial could lead to a significant new facility that creates jobs for the region.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing launched the trial in Wangaratta today, alongside North East Water and the Rural City of Wangaratta. Gippsland Water and the Intelligent Water Network are project partners in this trial.
“The Biochar trial opens major opportunities for the circular economy and the wider water sector. If successful, there could be more programs to convert waste into an environmentally friendly and valuable commodity,” said Shing.
The ground-breaking trial will see biosolids from Wangaratta’s wastewater treatment plant mixed with the city’s green waste. It will then be processed into biochar in Melbourne. The carbon-rich charcoal can improve soil health and boost agricultural productivity.
This project stops these valuable resources from going to landfill. It also provides potential for future carbon sequestration and the trade of carbon offsets.
A local facility will be considered if the Wangaratta waste streams are proven to be suitable during the trial. It will process large volumes of biochar for possible use on the region’s farmland, potentially generating jobs for the region.
The trial will also inform the planned expansion of Gippsland Water’s organics recycling business at Dutson Downs, one of Victoria’s largest circular economy operations.
North East Water, Gippsland Water and the Intelligent Water Network will invest $160,000 in the first trial stage with the Rural City of Wangaratta.
Victoria’s water sector is leading the charge towards reaching its net zero emissions target by 2035 and helping create a thriving circular economy for Victoria.
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“The trial is a great use of resources and could open great opportunities for further investment and job creation in North East Victoria.”
Quote attributable to North East Water Managing Director Jo Murdoch
“This innovative trial has the potential to capture thousands of tonnes of carbon annually to offset emissions. It can also create a high-strength carbon-rich soil enhancer for agricultural purposes.”
Quote attributable to Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees
“This is a particularly exciting project and again demonstrates Council’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the waste management space. It follows the success of the organics processing facility at Bowser.”
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