Queensland Farmer’s Federation – Reducing Energy Use
Reducing energy use, bills and increasing on-farm efficiency
Over 60% of the 130 farms participating in the QFF Energy Savers program have or plan to implement part of the $3 million of annual energy cost savings identified in the energy efficiency audits across different industries. This includes 50 farms implementing energy efficiency projects and another 32 that are planning to in the near future.
QFF President Stuart Armitage said that despite the evident structural challenges with energy affordability in Queensland, farmers are not waiting around on the promise of eventual price relief.
“Farmers are implementing projects to improve and upgrade irrigation, refrigeration, lighting and installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems,” said Mr. Armitage.
“The biggest uptake has been by irrigators improving pumping systems. Crop requirements, climatic conditions, water licencing and irrigation channel conditions mean they don’t have the luxury of deciding when they pump water.
A recent survey of program participants found that over 90% of respondents felt that Energy Savers has raised awareness of on-farm energy management.
Most encouraging too has been feedback from energy efficiency suppliers that farmers are approaching them for improvements based of the case studies and information provided through the program.
The Energy Savers program has developed and published 45 case studies, including 5 videos covering a range of agricultural industries throughout Queensland all available on the Energy Savers website. These case studies and information have been presented at 50 events throughout the state’s agricultural regions.
“QFF continues to work with Ergon and the State Government to assist farmers move ahead with projects identified in the audits by providing advice and information to reduce barriers, such as understanding the technologies and accessing financing options,” said Mr. Armitage.
As more farmers have time to properly consider the recommendations on their unique business situations the expected level of savings should increase.
Coming into the election, QFF will be asking the returning or incoming government to extend the successful Energy Savers Program and look at other opportunities to assist farmers with an integrated approach to energy and water efficiency initiatives.