SA Water's Zero Cost Energy Future - Stage 2

Enerven and SA Water are continuing to work towards Zero Cost Energy Future 

The customer 

SA Water provide world-class water services to over 1.7 million customers across the state, including water sourcing, treatment and supply, sewage removal from homes and businesses, and sewage treatment and recycling. It is an immensely energy intensive industry, with SA Water’s 18/19 energy bill coming in at $80 million.  

SA Water have always had a proactive approach to energy reduction and reducing their environmental footprint. They have developed an ambitious program of work that will see the energy they generate and export to the market off-set the cost of the electricity they draw from the grid and network charges, to achieve a zero-net outcome. The program is aptly named Zero Cost Energy Future. Sustainably reducing operational expenses, such as electricity, will enable SA Water to keep water service charges as low and stable as possible for their customers.

The opportunity 

There are seven initiatives as part of the Zero Cost Energy Future program and Enerven are working on the Solar PV and Energy Storage piece; delivering the infrastructure that will bring SA Water closer to their overarching goal. As part of the project Enerven will be installing 242GWh of solar generation and 35MWh of storage across a number of SA Water’s sites around both metropolitan and regional South Australia.

As energy specialists, the team at Enerven has the capabilities to develop solar and storage solutions that provide the most efficient, reliable, and cost-effective energy supply for our customers. This includes all elements of design, engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance and operation. We have access to a significant resource pool, covering all disciplines required for complex technical projects. Our dedicated team has the skills and experience to collaborate with SA Water and deliver a bespoke solution that meets their needs.

The solution

The next phase of the project will involve the design, procurement, construction, and commissioning of approximately 154MW of roof and ground-mount solar panels and 34MWh of storage. This will be rolled out across approximately 33 SA Water locations in both metropolitan and regional South Australia.

It is expected that over 250 local jobs will be supported through our engagement with SA Water to deliver this project. Enerven’s operations span the state of South Australia and its heritage as a subsidiary of SA Power Networks has fostered strong relationships with regional businesses and communities. Enerven’s program office will consist of local employees, new and current, as we draw upon the support of South Australian metropolitan and regional businesses to deliver site establishment and construction works across civil and electrical disciplines.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded this contract, and to be continuing work on this important project with SA Water,” said Enerven General Manager Richard Amato.

“Like Enerven, SA Water has a long history in South Australia and cares about its long-term future,” he said.

“To help SA Water on its way to a more sustainable future on the first phase of this project has been a real privilege, so we’re extremely proud to have the opportunity to continue that work in the next phase.

“From the design and the determination of the technical requirements to the procurement of equipment and project construction, we have been able to deliver SA Water an innovative one-stop solution for this project.”

Enerven’s vision for our customers is “Connecting you with tomorrow” and this project is another example of how we are helping our customers to achieve this through the delivery of complex and innovative solutions. Enerven has demonstrated capability and systems to deliver large projects with multiple locations across the state and to tight timeframes, with experience on projects such as the nbn rollout, Lincoln Gap Wind Farm and the Bungala Solar Farm. We will be drawing heavily on our extensive project management skills to deliver this complex and innovative solution for SA Water.

Enerven has already completed the first phase of the project, installing just over 4MW of ground-mount solar at three of SA Water’s largest facilities, which is due to be completed early 2019.

To find out our Enerven can help you, download our Capability Statements today