The Victorian Desalination Plant, located on the Bass Coast, is a rainfall-independent source of water capable of supplying up to 150 billion litres a year.

The project has completed commissioning.

The project includes an underground transfer pipeline to connect the plant to the Melbourne network through a delivery point at Berwick and transfer main to Cardinia Reservoir.

The pipeline is two-way and includes offtakes so areas in South Gippsland and Western Port can access water from the plant or Cardinia Reservoir, if required.

Flexible water orders can be made from 0 to 150 billion litres (in set increments) to suit different needs each year.The plant can be expanded to 200 billion litres a year, if required.

The plant uses the most energy-efficient method of desalinating water, reverse osmosis, and includes energy recovery devices to reduce power consumption. Its underground power supply is co-located with the pipeline and all operational energy is offset by renewable energy certificates.

The world class design includes Australia’s largest living green roof and a 225 hectare revegetated coastal park for public use. Long intake and outlet tunnels protect the coast and marine environment. Ongoing environmental management is a key project focus.

The project is delivered as a private–public partnership. The AquaSure consortium was selected to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project. The Department of Sustainability and Environment manages the contract with AquaSure on behalf of the state.

The plant’s key components have a 100 year life, and the plant will be handed back to the state in working order at the end of AquaSure’s 30-year contract.