Seeking ideas on reducing emissions from WWTPs

Melbourne Water emits approximately 408,000 tonnes of CO_2e/year of greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for 51% of the Victorian water sector total greenhouse gas emissions. The government-owned business has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% (below 204,380 tonnes of CO_2e/year) by 2024/25 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.

On 22 October 2018, Melbourne Water is launching a competition where entrants can submit ideas on how to reduce wastewater emissions and potentially share in an AU$200,000 prize pool.

Greenhouse gas emissions are reported as Scope 1 emissions — emissions directly emitted by Melbourne Water’s operations (mostly from wastewater treatment) — and Scope 2 emissions — emissions emitted from Melbourne use of grid electricity.

Melbourne Water is looking for innovative ways to reduce or eliminate Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions (methane and nitrous oxide) from its wastewater treatment plants.

The competition is about thinking creatively around how sewage is treated and what changes would result in reduced Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions.

Through the competition, Melbourne Water is encouraging ideas to be submitted that embrace the concept of sustainable emission reduction. Ideas are welcome in:

A: Emissions measurement and modelling

For example, atmospheric measurement of emissions from the treatment or process modelling to identifying key influences on emissions.

B: Optimisation of existing wastewater treatment processes

For example, process covers, emission capture and treatment or real-time control system for process optimisation to minimise emissions.

C: Wastewater treatment processes of the future

For example, decoupling nitrogen removal from aerobic processes or algae treatment processes.

The competition opens on 22 October 2018 and the deadline for submissions is at 5 pm (AEDT) on 3 December 2018. Winning entrants may also have the opportunity to work with Melbourne Water to further develop their ideas and bring them to life.

All ideas will be assessed by the ‘Competition Jury’ on merit according to the evaluation criteria. Shortlisted entrants will be announced in February 2019. These selected entrants will be invited to submit a detailed solution. The final winners will be announced in mid-2019.

For more information and how to apply, visit: https://www.melbournewater.com.au/innovation-competition or email questions to innovationcontest@melbournewater.com.au.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/tuastockphoto