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Energy Savers
Queensland

Queensland Beef and Cattle Farms

Proposed
67
Energy Savings
104
Savings
48,191
Industry
Beef and Cattle
Technology
Solar Photovoltaic, Energy storage, Fan, Heating, Lighting, Irrigation, Pump upgrade, Variable Speed Control
Capital Cost
$151,103

Summary

This case study summarises the outcomes from audits conducted on 6 Queensland Beef Cattle farms taking part in the in the Energy Savers Program.

The total energy consumption from the measured areas on the 6 farms was 192,783kWh at an annual cost of $51,293, resulting in emissions of 156 tonnes of CO2-e. 

Opportunities:  the main opportunities identified on the Beef and Cattle farms include

  • Pumping and Irrigation- Savings from Variable Speed Drive installation, pump replacements and maintenance and changes to irrigation design. 
  • Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC)  Maintenance and upgrades of condenser motor, VSD, ventilation fan and heating.  
  • Lighting and General- Replacement and retrofitting of lights with LEDs, infrastructure upgrades to facilitate efficiency gains and general management changes. 
  • Solar and Batteries– Grid-connected and standalone. 
  • Solar Systems- Ranging in size from 5-100kW. 

Table 1. Technology Recommendations and Savings in the Beef and Cattle Industry. 

Recommendation 

Total  Energy Savings (kWh)  Cost Savings ($)  Capital Cost ($)  Average Payback (Years) 

Emission Reduction (tCO2-e) 

Pumping and Irrigation Upgrades 

9  24,597  8,995  24,247  9.05 

20

HVAC 

2  2,671  544  3,500  13 

2

Lighting and General 

2  1,245  310  2,400  7.5 

1

Solar and Batteries 

1  N/A  9,935  27,500  2.7 

N/A 

Solar Systems 

6  100,315  28,707  93,456  3.5 

81

Total 

20  128,828  48,191  151,103  7.2 

104

Total Recommendations 

665  7,459,015 2,817,342  12,784,670  6.85 

6,042

 

Table 1 highlights the potential energy savings of 128,828kWh identified in the audits.  


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Including production benefits, a saving of $48,191 and an estimated 104 tonnes of CO2-e could be realised per annum. At a capital cost of $151,103, the average payback was 7.2 years. 

Additional value adding from the energy audits showed how an increase in water delivery, could increase production and profit with a reduction in energy consumed per unit of output 

Table 2. Pre and Post Audit Metrics.  

Metric 

Pre-Audits  Post- Audits 

Reduction (%) 

Energy Consumption (kWh) 

192,783  64,483 

67 

Energy Costs ($) 

51,923  4,293 

92 

Emissions (tCO2-e) 

156 52

67 

 

As the installation of the recommendations is made within the industry, measurement and verification will be undertaken, and case studies will be updated to include the actual energy savings. 

beef

Energy Efficiency for your Industry and Business 

An energy audit is a great way for a business to cut costs, reduce emissions and boost productivity.  

The audits show that there are significant opportunities in the beef and cattle industry to improve energy efficiency by implementing solar systemsA cattle farm in the Western Downs region saves $10,000 by implementing a solar pump supported by battery storage at a capital cost of $27,000, to see more details click HERE 

To keep up to date with the changes taking place in the energy space sign up for the e-news HERE 

 

The Energy Savers Plus Extension Program is delivered by the Queensland Farmers Federation with support and funding from the Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works.  

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