Barwon Water takes out Victorian Water Award

The Barwon Water-led Biochar to Batteries research project gained state-wide recognition last week, when it won the Australian Water Association’s Victorian R&D Excellence Award in Melbourne on Thursday night.

Barwon Water’s nomination for the award explained how the Biochar to Batteries project was working to achieve an innovative use for biochar which exploits its stable carbon properties.

Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming said that thanks to collaboration with South East Water, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, the City of Greater Geelong, RMIT University and Deakin University, the Biochar to Batteries project had undertaken applied research that demonstrated the suitability of biochar derived from wastewater treatment, food, and garden organics for use in Sodium Ion Batteries and supercapacitors, both of which use highly conductive carbon to transfer energy.

“Both of these energy storage technologies rely on highly conductive carbon materials to efficiently transfer energy.”

The research project is linked to the development of the Regional Renewable Organics Network, which will produce biochar from organic waste.

Biochar, created through a carbonisation process involving high-temperature baking of organic waste, serves as a solid carbon sink, effectively sequestering carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere during waste decomposition.

“By repurposing organic waste into high-value biochar, we will contribute to the circular economy, reduce waste, and turn what was once considered waste into a valuable resource,” Mr Cumming said.

“This research not only helps mitigate climate change impacts but also enhances Victoria's position as a hub for innovation and research in sustainable technologies.

“The Biochar to Batteries project underscores the vital role that the water sector can play in producing critical resources for the circular and new energy economy.”

Barwon Water will now be eligible to enter the project for the national awards.

For more on the awards, see https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events/vicgala2023.

For more on the Regional Renewable Organics Network, see https://www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/RRON.

Pictured above: Shaun Cumming (Managing DIrector, Barwon Water), A/Prof Nolene Byrne (Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University), Professor Kalpit Shah (Deputy Director of ARC Biosolids Training Centre) and Michael Thomas (Research and Development Lead, Barwon Water)