Central Highlands Water (CHW) was recognised at the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge Awards recently, for their clever approach to biosolids reuse.
‘Upcycling Biosolids Derived Biochar: Three Products, One Feedstock’ gained CHW the first runner-up award, aligning with the challenge objectives of identifying innovative and practical solutions for future-focused and sustainable biosolids management.
Developed in collaboration with RMIT, Saunders Aquametro, Barwon Water and Greater Western Water, this project highlighted three products that could be developed from biosolid recipes, with prototypes and approaches already identified through research.
Products planned for development include:
- water treatment materials that help remove contaminants and improve water quality
- fire-resistant panels for buildings and facilities
- infrastructure components such as covers, housings and ducting.
The team estimated that converting half of Victoria’s biosolids to biochar for durable products could cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 75,000 tonnes each year.
CHW Managing Director Jeff Haydon explain “Biosolids from wastewater can be used across a number of areas including landscape restoration, fertiliser, manufacturing and water treatmen. By turning a wastewater by-product into useful, long-lasting products, our project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create sustainable locally sourced materials and support a more circular and climate-resilient future”.
