The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has reached a major milestone in the Energy Savers Plus Program Extension, with half of the 200 farm energy audits now complete and significant energy savings identified.
QFF Chief Executive Officer Dr Georgina Davis said the Energy Savers audits were delivering options for farmers to reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions as well as make important bottom line savings and productivity gains.
“The 100 farms from across the state and representing various agricultural industries could save 5,881,604kWh in energy and $1,834,675 off their electricity bills if they were to implement the recommendations of their energy audits,” Dr Davis said.
“Audits on 42 of the farms have identified opportunities to deliver more water with less energy, with the potential to reduce consumption by 291,488kWh.”
“Energy Savers audits have recommended installing 84 solar systems across those farms audited, which could prevent the emission of 1,625t of CO2-e and potential onsite energy production of 1,767,156kWh.”
“While six farm audits have recommended the use of batteries as they begin to offer paybacks that deliver real benefits on farm, with the potential to save 862,906kWh and 794t of CO2-e emissions by greater utilising on-farm solar generation.”
“The Energy Savers audits have also helped farmers identify crucial cost savings at a critical time helping them increase their productivity and build their resilience through innovation on the back of a prolonged drought.”
For more information about the Energy Savers Plus Program Extension program or how to improve your on-farm energy efficiency, see the website at www.qff.org.au/energysavers or contact the energy savers team at energysavers@qff.org.au.
The Energy Savers Plus Program Extension is delivered in by the Queensland Farmers Federation with support and funding from the Queensland Government.