The Victorian water sector is taking world-leading action to reduce its own emissions. In 2025, the Victorian water sector reached 2 major milestones:
The sector’s investments in renewable electricity, energy efficiency and other innovative projects not only reduce emissions but create jobs and save water corporations money.
Achieved
The sector beat its emission reduction target to deliver a 45.5% reduction compared to baseline.
Achieved
The sector has increased its renewable electricity use through investment in solar, biogas, wind, hydroelectricity and more.
On track
Our water sector is well on the way to meeting this target with innovative solutions and high‑integrity multi‑benefit carbon offsets.
On track
The government has delivered a new Water Sector Emissions Transition Plan that will guide efficient decisions, build critical skills and capitalise on innovation to reach net zero by 2035.
Victoria first set a net zero emissions goal for the water sector in the state’s water plan, Water for Victoria. The Statement of Obligations (Emissions Reduction) details 5-yearly emissions reduction targets for each water corporation on the path to net-zero.
These ambitious targets place Victoria’s water sector alongside world leaders in emission reduction like the United Kingdom, Finland and Denmark.
The Victorian Water Sector Emissions Transition Plan sets out the next steps for the water sector in the journey to net zero.
It provides a clear pathway to address complex emissions from wastewater treatment, fuels, construction and the supply chain, while creating new opportunities for innovation, resource recovery and regional development.
The plan will help water corporations identify and implement innovative emissions reduction solutions that improve the resilience and cost efficiency of water services, protect the environment and support Victoria’s economy.
The plan also includes case studies of water corporation projects that increase renewable electricity use and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan has 6 key outcomes, which support the vision for net zero emissions water and wastewater services:
The plan is set out across 4 priorities. Click through the priorities below to read the 18 actions in the plan.
Victoria’s climate change strategy paves the way for climate action in Victoria for the next 5 years. It is supported by emissions reduction pledges which outline the Victorian Government’s actions to achieve interim and long-term emissions reduction targets.
The Water Sector Emissions Transition Plan is a key deliverable under the Whole of Victorian Government sector pledge 2026-30. The pledge also commits the Victorian government to partner with the water sector and Intelligent Water Networks to investigate and trial low-carbon and circular technology for biosolids. Delivery of the plan includes the 2026 round of the Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge.
Page last updated: 15/04/26