Cutting edge technology creates a new life of brine

Tarong Energy has used cutting edge technology to turn salt water, sewage and storm water into reusable water for Tarong power station’s four boilers in a process known as reverse osmosis.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the new reverse osmosis plant at the Tarong site was expected to save around 500 megalitres of Wivenhoe water a year.

“It’s a significant milestone and means that Tarong Power station no longer needs to use Wivenhoe water,” Mr Wilson said.

The Minister opened the new $4.2 million reverse osmosis and potable water plant at the Tarong Power Station, in the South Burnett region today.

Reverse osmosis was invented in the US in the 1940s. It can purify any form of water, from groundwater to sewage.

It works by forcing water through a membrane that allows clean water through, but blocks particles of dirt, salt, viruses and micro-organisms.

“It’s not new technology, but it’s proven. The Tarong plant will produce at least 500 megalitres of water a year for the station’s demineralised water plant and that means water savings from Wivenhoe Dam,” Mr Wilson said.

High quality demineralised water is a vital commodity in the operation of the station’s four boilers at Tarong Power Station.

The small potable water plant is capable of producing 94 megalitres of high quality drinking water.

“This water will be used by station employees, workers at the adjacent Meandu Mine and Tarong North Power Station workers,” he said.

“Today’s opening is a significant milestone. It completely removes Tarong Power Station’s reliance on water from Wivenhoe Dam.

“Everyone in south east Queensland has been doing their bit in response to the drought and so has Tarong Energy. I congratulate them on this initiative,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Tarong Energy, Helen Gluer said the reverse osmosis and potable water plant, at a cost of $4.2million, represents at least 120 litres of water for every dollar invested.

“That’s excellent value for money, especially now, with south east Queensland in the grip of the worst drought on record,” Ms Gluer said.

“Our people have also redesigned the site’s system of stormwater drains and dams so that we make the most of this precious resource. As a result, about 10ML of water was collected during the recent rains.”

Ms Gluer said today’s opening was the culmination of a year of hard work by Tarong Energy, its contractor Veolia Water Solutions and subcontractors CBH and Breaker Electrical.

“The quality of the reverse osmosis water is second to none. Considering potable water can contain a lot of dissolved salts, this is almost as pure as rain water,” Ms Gluer said.

The Minister congratulated everyone involved in the project, describing it as a simple, but smart way of delivering real benefits to south east Queensland.

Media Inquiries: Minister’s Office Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819

Tarong Energy Ian McGoldrick 3228 4550