The region’s largest solar project powers ahead

Westernport Water has reached an important sustainability milestone with the commissioning of a new 545 kW ground-mounted solar system at the Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The installation, now the largest solar system of its kind in the Bass Coast, is helping power one of Westernport Water's most energy-intensive operations.

The $1,735 million dollar investment will reduce the plant's demand on grid electricity, lowering operating costs and supporting long-term affordability for customers.

Westernport Water said since being operational from June 4, the system has already demonstrated impressive performance.

On clear winter days, the solar installation has generated enough renewable energy to meet the treatment plant's electricity needs for most of the day, while exporting surplus energy back to the grid.

As daylight hours increase over summer, the period of energy self-sufficiency is expected to grow.

In addition to reducing emissions, the project will generate Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs), supporting Westernport Water's broader sustainability and carbon reduction goals.

"By investing in renewable energy today, we're lowering emissions while ensuring the site is well positioned to support the proposed major upgrade of the Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant through the Next Generation Upgrade Project,” Dona Tantirimudalige, Managing Director Westernport Water said.

“This is Westernport Water’s fourth solar project, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to sustainable operations and a lower-carbon future for the region.”