The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has reached a major milestone in the Energy Savers Plus Program Extension, with 100 per cent of farm energy audits now complete and many participants beginning their power saving stories.
QFF Chief Executive Officer Dr Georgina Davis said the Energy Savers audits delivered options for farmers to reduce their energy consumption and Carbon emissions as well as make important bottom line savings and productivity gains with the assistance of a co-contribution grant.
“Participating farms from across the state and representing various agricultural industries could save an average of 40,000kWh in energy, reduce emissions by 38t CO2-e and cut their energy bills by an average of $16,000 if they were to implement the recommendations of their energy audits,” Dr Davis said.
“For example, a Mareeba pasture farm producing 8,300 tonnes of hay each year has reduced their energy usage by 68 per cent after implementing their farm audit recommendations.”
“The farm utilised the co-contribution grant to replace a 55kW pump with a smaller 45kW version which will do the same job with less electricity. A Variable Speed Drive was installed on the new pump to improve irrigation efficiency.”
“A 40kW solar system was also installed to offset the costs of power from the grid, while a radio link was established between the pump and the irrigator to identify any faults within the system and prevent damage to equipment.”
“More positive results are expected as the program moves to an implementation phase. We encourage participants to consider their farm audit and take up the available rebate to make improvements and realise energy savings.”
For more information about the Energy Savers 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 Program is delivered in by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation and its members with support and funding from the Queensland Government.