Upgrade for biogas plant in Australia

German plant manufacturer WELTEC BIOPOWER is collaborating with Yarra Valley Water to upgrade a 1-megawatt biogas plant in northern Melbourne. Yarra Valley Water, one of Australia's largest water and wastewater utilities, has relied on this plant to power its Aurora Treatment Plant independently since its construction in 2017 by WELTEC BIOPOWER and a project partner. To maintain the plant's profitability and operational efficiency, a technical modernization, including a biological service, is scheduled for August 2024. WELTEC is providing on-site support to the local team for this refurbishment.

The biogas plant, equipped with two 530-kilowatt CHP units, generates enough electricity to meet the energy needs of both the facility and the sewage treatment plant, with surplus energy fed into the electrical grid. The plant processes up to 33,000 tons of organic waste annually, including fats, oils, brewery and dairy residues, and fruit and vegetables, to produce approximately 7.5 million kilowatt hours of energy each year. Since its inception, the plant has garnered significant recognition, including the Premier’s Sustainability Award for innovation in Victoria and the Banksia Award for leadership in the circular economy.

As part of the refurbishment, the plant's tanks will be fully emptied, and the roofs of the two 3,573 cubic meter stainless steel fermenters, along with internal components like agitator technology, will be replaced. Once the upgrades are complete, the plant will be recommissioned and its operational management secured. To expedite the restart, digester contents will be temporarily stored and later reintroduced, minimizing resource usage and costs. This approach not only ensures a quicker resumption of biological processes but also adheres to Australia’s stringent occupational safety standards. WELTEC will also conduct on-site staff training as part of the upgrade process.

Stephanie Salinas, Manager of Waste to Energy Services at Yarra Valley Water, highlighted the strong partnership with WELTEC BIOPOWER, stating, “WELTEC BIOPOWER has been a trusted partner in our Wollert Facility’s success. We appreciate their dedication to safety and quality, and their expertise in mechanical and biological consulting has been invaluable throughout our facility’s lifespan.” Vladimir Bogatov, WELTEC BIOPOWER’s Area Sales Manager for the Asia Pacific, added, “With over 400 biogas plants designed and constructed worldwide, WELTEC has the expertise required for complex refurbishment projects. We are proud of the long-standing trust our customers place in us.” WELTEC's extensive experience is highly valued in Australia, ensuring that the plant remains flexible and continues its legacy as one of the nation’s most innovative biogas projects.