Green Energy Manufacturing Centre
Going eco-friendly in Gladstone with a sustainable wastewater solution
PROJECT DETAILS
Location:
Aldoga, QLD
Product:
Kubota MBBR
Capability:
Design, construct, and install WWTS
True Water was contacted by Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) to provide a Kubota Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for a new-generation renewable energy facility. The 100-hectare Green Energy Manufacturing Centre (GEM) site is located at Aldoga, west of Gladstone in Central Queensland.
As the first of its kind in Australia, the GEM facility will become one of the world’s largest hydrogen equipment manufacturers. The $144 million first-stage development is the result of a landmark partnership between the Queensland State Government and FFI.
Hydrogen has potential as a clean and sustainable energy carrier. This makes it crucial in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Following FFI’s extensive tender and assessment process, True Water was awarded the project. Kubota WWTP provide the best cost, energy, and environmental outcomes.
Manufacture of the renewable energy facility WWTP took place prior to transporting it to site for installation.
The renewable energy facility WWTP is expertly positioned for install.
The WWTP for the renewable energy facility is cranned into position.
The renewable energy facility WWTP is scalable to accommodate future expansion.
The renewable energy facility WWTP is backfilled.
The renewable energy facility WWTP has a high-quality finish and compact footprint.
Specialist consultancy and design
The renewable energy facility is not connected to the municipal sewage network. Therefore, all wastewater needed to be managed on-site. In Queensland, large on-site wastewater treatment systems fall under Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERA). This requires approval from the Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation (DESI) to meet regulatory standards.
Hutchinson Builders, the main contractor, selected True Water for our specialist sewage services. Situated in the Aldoga Wetlands, this site supports wildlife and preserves water quality. Conserving these wetlands through dependable wastewater treatment was a key project goal. Our environmental consultants assessed site conditions. This was done to identify suitability for on-site wastewater treatment and potential environmental impacts.
We designed a system to the site-specific requirements. This included recommendations for treatment technology, sizing, and layout. Subsequently, we prepared and submitted a technical report to state government that covered environmental assessments, risk management plans, and engineering drawings. The ERA approval was obtained, securing the necessary Environmental Authority (EA).
Meeting budgets and deadlines
Timely project completion was crucial. True Water coordinated all civil, electrical, plumbing, and construction works. The WWTP installation was completed in just 10 working days, including the installation of the 9000m² subsurface drip irrigation Effluent Dispersal Area (EDA).
Our solution featured a 20kL Kubota Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor WWTP perfectly suited to Australian wastewater requirements. The plant operates with minimal human interaction and efficiently manages peak flows, including shock-load provisions. This world-leading technology boasts a 50-year lifecycle, ensuring reliability and efficient performance.
Manufactured under True Water and Kubota’s ISO-certification, this quality assurance is backed by 50 years of Japanese wastewater research and development. The design also includes a 10kL Equalisation (EQ) tank and two wet-weather polymer storage tanks.
Reliable effluent treatment
The system offers reliable effluent treatment at a lower cost compared to other manufacturers. Designed specifically for the GEM project, the system is scalable for future expansion. Installed underground with sealed and gas-tight lids, the WWTP features a high-quality finish and compact footprint. It also operates silently and without odour.
Our expert technicians provide ongoing asset management services. True Water’s Integrated Environmental Management System ensured stakeholder objectives are achieved, regulatory compliance is upheld, and public health and environmental protection are prioritised.
True Water exclusively partners with TELEmi remote asset telemetry monitoring. This advanced software is supported by an online portal. It is accurate, immediate, and real-time data that allows our team to deliver 24-hour a day operational security and regulatory compliance.
