An Atherton Tablelands Dairy farm has saved money and reduced energy consumption after implementing the recommendations from a recent Energy Savers Audit. The recommended irrigation upgrades have been implemented.

This case study summarises the outcomes from audits conducted on all 180 Queensland farms in the Energy Savers Plus Program (ESPPE).

This case study summarises the outcomes from audits conducted on 30 Queensland Dairy farms taking part in the Energy Savers Program.

A dairy farm located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland has benefited from an energy audit that explored both the milking operation and irrigated paddocks. This case study focuses on the irrigation system benefits of installing a new pump with a Variable Speed Drive (VSD), a new suction line, shortening the mainline and replacing the sprinklers and risers.

A recent energy savers audit showed how a dairy farm in the Scenic Rim region could improve heating and cooling efficiency onsite after implementing the recommendations of a recent energy audit.

A Lockyer Valley Dairy that produces milk and some feed has the potential to reduce energy and costs onsite and increase productivity from efficiencies identified in the milking shed.

Installing solar and chilled water systems using existing infrastructure while monitoring and maintaining could reduce this dairy farm's energy consumption below 100,000kWh per annum.

The audit founds a significant water leak, with potential energy savings of 20%, and the opportunity to improve irrigation efficiency with the addition of a variable speed drive saving over 30% of energy consumption. The solutions have combined energy savings of 60% with cost savings of around $5,500 and a payback under 2 years. Combined emission reductions have been estimated around 18.9 t CO2-e per year.

The audit recommended a number of initiatives to reduce distribution head losses to optimise the dam pump operations, including some pipe replacement and the potential to replace the 45kW dam pumps and add variable speed drives. The recommendations would save 42% of the energy on those systems, with an annual saving of over $40,000 and a payback of just over 2 years. Emission savings have been estimated to be 113 t CO2-e per year.