Sydney Water has announced the construction of its first food waste to bioenergy recycling facility situated in Western Sydney, with works set to commence next month.
The Liverpool Bioenergy Hub will process more than 40 tonnes of food waste per day – the equivalent weight of two fully loaded semi-trailers.
Operating at full capacity, the food waste will be transformed into biogas, and will be used to generate electricity. The facility is expected to produce 3,000 kilograms of biogas a day, which is enough to power more than 500 homes.
The initiative is part of Sydney Water’s commitment to reduce emissions from its operations to net zero by 2030 and will feature at the upcoming Sydney Water Innovation Festival, commencing on 28 November at the Maritime Museum in Sydney.
Sydney Water Strategic Planning Manager, Phil Woods, said the infrastructure will play an important part in helping the organisation achieve its carbon zero goals, reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy.
“As a top ten energy user in New South Wales, Sydney Water is looking to reduce its reliance on grid electricity,” Mr Woods said.
“This facility will play a pivotal role in helping Sydney Water increase the amount of renewable energy it generates from 15 per cent to 35 per cent by 2030.”
Sydney Water Manager Commercial Products, Mark Kelly, said this is the first commercial-scale bioenergy site for Sydney Water, which not only delivers on the company’s carbon zero ambitions but also delivers a material new revenue stream for Sydney Water.
The Liverpool Bioenergy Hub is due to be operational in 2023.
Featured image: Liverpool biogas engine for the Liverpool Bioenergy Hub. Image: Sydney Water.
