Yeppoon Sewage Treatment Plant transitions to renewable energy

The cost of running one of Livingstone Shire Council’s major power consuming utilities has been greatly reduced, with the transition to renewable energy. 

An array of photo-voltaic solar panels with inverters and battery storage has been installed at the Yeppoon Sewage Treatment Plant, which will significantly reduce Council’s ongoing power consumption currently supplied from the electricity grid.

The modern sewage treatment plant at Yeppoon produces very high-quality effluent for community reuse.

Portfolio holder of Water, Waste Management and the Environment, Councillor Andrea Friend, said the solar project will deliver a power saving of close to 70%.

“The solar power plant is estimated to generate power equivalent to the annual power consumption of about 90 households,” Cr Friend said.

“The sewage treatment plant can now be completely powered by the solar facility during daylight hours, while directing any surplus to battery storage for use during the night.

“For back-up power supply in less favourable conditions, the plant can revert back to the electricity grid if needed.

“There is also the capacity for expansion of the facility to accommodate increased demand.”

Mayor Andy Ireland said this is the first significant renewable energy infrastructure in the Shire and is a major step towards Council’s vision of being an environmental leader in the community.

“Council was successful in obtaining $2.8 million in funding from the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions program towards the $3 million project,” Mayor Ireland said.

“I’d like to sincerely thank the Queensland Government and Member for Keppel for the significant funding contribution towards this vital project for our community.”

Member for Keppel and Assistant Education Minister Brittany Lauga said the Queensland Government is committed to increasing the uptake of renewable energy to drive jobs, investment and emissions reduction.

“The Yeppoon Sewage Treatment Plant transitioning is another vital step towards reducing emissions and mitigating climate change while creating new jobs and diversifying the state’s economy,” Ms Lauga said.

“We are committed to ensuring a just transition, working closely with our workers, industry and broader community to ensure all Queenslanders are part of our clean energy future.”

AGL Chief Customer Officer, Jo Egan, said the company was pleased to work closely with Council to deliver the project.

“It’s a great example of how organisations can decarbonise, reduce costs and create sustainable operations at the same time,” Ms Egan said.