On the weekend, we celebrated World Water Day by highlighting some of the innovative and collaborative work being undertaken by our water entities across the state.
World Water Day is held annually on 22 March to celebrate water and inspire action to tackle key issues.
Three projects recently received $255,000 in funding as part of the Victorian Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge.
These projects have been recognised for their innovative solutions that are helping to pave the way for a sustainable water future.
South East Water, in partnership with RMIT University, won the challenge for their plan to co-produce green hydrogen and oxidant from direct solar radiation.
This solution harnesses renewable energy to reduce emissions and support a low-carbon economy. Installed on a floating modular platform, it integrates with existing water corporation infrastructure, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
Funding will help optimise the system design to improve its durability, reliability and efficiency.
With such a high calibre of submissions, two impressive projects were also recognised as part of the challenge.
The first runner up was Gippsland Water, in partnership with Custom Fluids, for their nanobubble oxygenation project. This technology can help treat wastewater more efficiently.
The tiny bubbles help dissolve oxygen into the water more effectively, reducing the need for energy-heavy equipment like pumps and motors.
The second was North East Water, partnering with Goulburn Murray Water, for their Nutrient Sponge Booms for Algae Control project.
Their project will trial the use of biochar in water supply systems to mitigate the harmful environmental and health risks associated with algal blooms.
This is a great idea to improve management of an issue we know is likely to be more prevalent due to the impacts of climate change.
For more information on the winning projects, please visit 2024 Challenge - Climate Innovation Challenge.
Page last updated: 25/03/25