The Australian Government has announced new funding for small and medium enterprise (SME) businesses to purchase energy efficiency equipment upgrades through Round 2 of their Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Enterprises (National Program).
Eligible SMEs can access grants up to $25,000 to purchase energy efficient equipment to manage their energy usage and costs.
Successful applicants will receive between $10,000 – $25,000 to cover a range of energy efficiency upgrades, real-time monitoring and energy audits, with 100% of the eligible expenditure covered.
Applications for Queensland open on Wednesday, 28 February. Farm businesses are encouraged to be prepared to apply as soon as applications open due to the high number of expected applicants.
Additional grant opportunities: QBEST Rebates
The previously announced Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) initiative provides rebates to eligible small and medium-sized Queensland businesses to install energy-efficient equipment.
The rebates can cover up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs (GST exclusive) of eligible equipment, up to a maximum of $12,500. A minimum spend of $8,000 (GST exclusive) is required.
The rebates may support installation of energy efficient equipment including pumps, motors, appliances, commercial refrigeration or freezer, LED lighting and lighting controls, variable speed drives, chillers and compressors.
See eligibility information on the program website here. The program remains open until the funds are exhausted.
QFF energy advice and assistance
QFF is able to assist with two programs to help farms understand and manage their energy use.
QBEST Ag: Free energy audits for Queensland farms with large energy use
QFF are conducting free energy audits through the QBEST Ag Program to support farms reduce their energy spend. Participating farms can receive an ‘appliance’ energy audit or a ‘whole of farm’ energy audit, dependent on their needs.
For more information, see our latest article about the program here.
EnergySQ: Farms in Southern Downs, Western Downs, Toowoomba and Goondiwindi regional council areas
Farms in the Southern Downs, Western Downs, Toowoomba and Goondiwindi regional council areas are eligible for QFF’s Energy Southern Queensland (EnergySQ) program which offers farms a free energy assessment through the development of an Energy and Carbon Action Plan. For more information, please visit the project page here.
Not sure which program is best for you? Reach out to energy team today via energysq@qff.org.au or phone (07) 3837 4701.