Yarra Valley Water to use 100% renewable electricity

From 1 July 2025, Yarra Valley Water will use 100% renewable electricity to power its operations, putting it on track to report net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions this financial year. This follows several years of targeted action to cut emissions across its operations.

The organisation is also constructing a solar car park to provide 30% of the electricity needed for its head office, converting waste to energy to power its Wollert treatment plant, and investing in high-integrity Victorian-based carbon offset projects for residual emissions.

Managing Director Natalie Foeng said this marks a turning point in how the organisation delivers essential services to more than two million people across Melbourne’s east and north.

“We’re proud to be delivering safe, clean drinking water and reliable wastewater services with 100% renewable electricity from today,” Foeng said. “This is a major step forward in our journey to net zero. We set ourselves ambitious targets and I’m proud to say 30 June 2025 was the last time we’ll report operational emissions that exceed net zero.”

The net zero target will be achieved four years ahead of the timeline set out in the Victorian Government’s Statement of Obligations (Emission Reduction) for Victorian water corporations.

From 1 July, Yarra Valley Water has also committed to only purchasing fully electric passenger cars as it continues its transition to a zero-emissions fleet.

“We’re rethinking the way we work, cutting emissions in everything from how we treat wastewater to how we get around,” Foeng said. “That means using less energy, switching to renewables, and making smart investments that benefit both the environment and communities here in Victoria.”

While the focus is on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the direct and energy-related emissions from operations, Yarra Valley Water is also tackling its Scope 3 emissions. This includes emissions from its supply chain. The organisation is targeting a 67% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 30 June 2030, based on its 2023–24 baseline.

“Tackling climate change is part of our long-term commitment to supporting a cleaner, greener and healthier Melbourne,” Foeng said. “This is about doing what’s right for the environment, for our customers, and for future generations.”

For more information about Yarra Valley Water’s action to tackle emissions, visit the website.

Image caption: The Yarra Valley Water solar car park at Mitcham.