Environment and Energy Efficiency Award

Downer EDI Engineering Electrical of Port Melbourne received the 2007 Environment and Energy Efficiency Award when National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) members celebrated excellence in Victorian projects.

The project to install biogas generators to produce electricity at Melbourne Water's Eastern Treatment Plant in Bangholme is part of the water authority's pledge to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2018. Downer EDI Engineering is installing the new generators for Melbourne Water.

Accepting the award, Stephen Thompson said, "This project, to replace outmoded equipment with seven new generators running on biogas, was originally started by another contractor, so the existing conditions presented difficulties. We also had to ensure the operation continued to function, which presented other challenges to the installation process and technical upgrade."

This work is part of a commitment by Melbourne Water to have 100% renewable energy use, or even export energy from their sites, by 2018. In addition, the capture of methane for use as the biogas being converted into electricity significantly reduces odours from the site.