The farm, near Stanthorpe, produces a large variety of horticultural products on an area of approximately 30 ha and could save up to 27 per cent off its energy bills after implementing an farm energy audit recommendation to replace the cold room condenser unit.

A Stanthorpe farm produc aingn average of 300 tonnes of stonefruit per year from 40ha could save 10% off its energy bills after implementing a farm energy audit recommendation to upgrade their lights to LED.

A farm in Mundubbera producing a variety of citrus and mangoes will benefit by implementation of recommendations in a recent energy audit. The farm could save up to 7% of the site total energy use, and approximately $90,000 p.a. with an average payback period of 5.5 years.

This detailed case study shows how a comprehensive audit and collaboration between the auditor and local refrigeration specialist have significantly reduced cold room operating costs with annual savings of almost $20,000 and a payback period of a year and a quarter. Refrigeration energy consumption and demand have been almost halved.

The farmer installed variable speed drives on two 37kW pumps providing an annual cost saving of over $14,500 with a payback period of around 18 months. Other efficiencies were identified including some refrigeration improvements and a small Solar PV system which the farmer is yet to implement.

This case study shows how a Clare melon farm is reducing energy costs thanks to the energy savings program. The farms has reduced the energy cost for cold rooms and packing shed by 10 – 15% off their annual $250,000 bill. Further savings are being made with irrigation efficiencies.

The audit identified a range of energy saving initiaves in the packing sheds including refrigeration, lighting and the installation of Solar PV to supply some power. Three projects had a payback less than 5 years including the lighting and two Solar PV installations. The estimated annual savings from all identified projects is nearly $50,000.

The audit presented 2 options to improve the efficiency of an 18kW pump: upgrading to a high efficiency model, or adding an VSD, both of which would save nearly $4,000 per year and pay back within around 2 years.

The audit recommended regular checking of cold room door seals to save up to 10% in refrigeration costs, along with incorporating 30kW Solar PV into a new shed being built at the site to offset pumping and refrigeration power consumption with a payback period of 4 years. Variable Speed Controls were recommended for 2 smaller pumps with a payback period of 7.7 years.