THE RACE is on to achieve net-zero emissions and recent talks at the Climate Change Conference of Parties 26 (COP26) in Glasgow have turned up the heat up on governments and companies to act.
Closer to home, Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) has joined the ‘Race to Zero’, a United Nations-backed global campaign that brings together companies, cities, regions, financial and education institutions to take decisive and immediate action to tackle climate change.
GVW managing director, Dr Steve Capewell said that committing to Race to Zero is vital for the future growth and prosperity of the Goulburn Valley region.
“Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues we currently face, and it has far-reaching serious repercussions for the water industry, particularly in a warmer and drier climate,” he said.
2050 may be the end date but GVW aims for all electricity to be sourced from renewable sources by 2025, less than five years away. Already, solar investments made by GVW have generated more than 2,570 megawatt hours from 4,900 panels installed last year.
“Solar energy is one of the key technology platforms. We’re very lucky at our Shepparton and Tatura wastewater treatment plants that measure biogas.
“We can capture biogas and convert the gas into renewable energy as well.”
The green energy produced by solar, and biogases can be used to power GVW’s sites or put back into the grid.
Improving energy efficiency, adopting and embracing new technologies that will revolutionise the race to net-zero, and developing partnerships with big industries locally, universities, and other organisations to bring the best of their talent to the table and to reach the 2050 goal are GVW’s strategy to lead the race.
“It’s very exciting, very good for GVW and great for our region. Climate change is the biggest, most significant challenge the water sector faces.”
According to Dr Capewell, acute impacts of climate change include more frequent bushfires, summer storms, floods and droughts, all of which affect water.
“We’re right in the crosshairs of the impacts of climate change, so it stands to reason that we’re at the forefront of trying to manage those impacts as well.”
