Power for the Coombabah Wastewater Treatment Plant

Gold Coast Water's Coombabah Wastewater Treatment Plant embarked on a significant sustainability upgrade with an avus 500plus CHP unit and advanced biogas treatment. This project, enhancing both energy efficiency and environmental alignment, now enables the plant to produce about 4,000 MWh of renewable electricity annually.

Facts & figures

Application:
Landfills and wastewater treatment
Country:
Australia
CHP:
avus 500plus
Output el/th (kW):
550 kWel / 569 kWth
Operator:
Gold Coast Water

The Coombabah Wastewater Treatment Plant, operated by Gold Coast Water, underwent a transformative upgrade with the installation of an avus 500plus CHP unit, providing 550 kW of electrical power, and a comprehensive biogas treatment system. This initiative was designed to optimise the use of existing digesters for power generation and efficiency, leading to the production of about 4,000 MWh of renewable electricity each year.

The implementation of these technologies not only reduced the plant's energy consumption and operational costs but also supported the City of Gold Coast's environmental objectives. The cogeneration unit produces electricity to offset the facility's electrical consumption, while the heat generated ensures optimal functioning of the digester system. This project, executed with Pensar as the principal contractor, demonstrates a successful integration of sustainable energy solutions in wastewater management, setting a benchmark for similar facilities​.

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