The current irrigation system is run by two pump sites on two separate farms in Gin Gin. A recent energy audit showed how improving the current systems can lead to energy and cost savings. The recommendations explored in the audit included installing a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) to pump one, installing a centre pivot irrigator at pump site two, and change to tariff 33.
The farmer has implemented the VSD. Savings will be updated when the measurement and verification process is complete.
A sugarcane farming enterprise located in Gin Gin could benefit from a recent Energy Savers Audit. Farming requires constant decision-making to maximise production and profit. Often irrigation systems are out of date and are in need of replacement to incorporate new technologies and updated knowledge.
The farm area consists of 121 ha however only 81 ha are cultivated. The cropping area is around 60 ha which is serviced by two pumps at two different locations. Pump one only irrigates a relatively small area of 18.75 ha using a high-pressure travelling gun system and to date, the efficiency of the pump has been relatively good (67%). On property two, the total cropping area is 52 ha, historically used for sugarcane cropping but currently being used for grazing cattle. The plan is to return around 40 ha to sugarcane production and run it through pump two. The Irrigation Pump Evaluation and Reporting Tool (IPERT) indicated that pump two efficiency was low (44.85%) and the cost at peak time use was high ($129.75/ML), so the audit proposed a centre pivot irrigation system.
Energy consumption from the two pumps sites showed that a total of 78,510 kWh at a cost of $20,843 was used during the 2018-2019 period while on tariff 65 (based on projections for pump two as the property is in the development stage). A recent energy audit showed how improving the current systems can lead to energy and cost savings. The recommendations explored in the audit included:
Table 1. Energy savings from audit recommendations
| Recommendations | Annual Energy Savings (kWh) | Annual Cost Savings ($) | Emission Savings (tCO2-e) | Capital Cost ($) | Payback Period (years) |
| Install VSD in pump 1 | 9,530 | 2,522 | 7.7 | 6,077 | 2.4 |
| Centre Pivot in pump 2 | 17,433 | 33,437 | 14.1 | 189,478 | 5.7 |
| Change to Tariff 33 | – | 3,753 | – | 5,000 | 1.3 |
| Total | 26,973 | 39,712 | 21.8 | 200,555 | 5.1 |
Energy demand is estimated to improve by 30% with the installation of a VSD. The centre pivot irrigator will provide lower operating costs and the potential for sustained high levels of production. The splitting of the farm irrigation duty to 60% pivot (24 ha) with the remainder of the area continuing with travelling gun under the proposed upgrade will enable simultaneous operation which will allow both irrigation systems to meet the crop demand.
The farmer proceeded with the implementation of the VSD in pump 1, with potential energy consumption and costs savings of 12%, and carbon emission savings of 7.7 tCO2-e per year. Actual savings will be updated once the measurement and verification process is complete.
Table 2. Pre and post audit energy consumption, costs, and energy productivity savings
| Metric | Pre-Audit | Post-Audit | Reduction (%) |
| Energy Consumption (kWh) | 78,510 | 68,980 | 12 |
| Cost ($) | 20,843 | 18,321 | 12 |
| Energy Productivity (kWh/ha) | 1,308 | 1,150 | 12 |
An energy audit is a good investment
An energy audit is a great first step in moving a business towards a more efficient future by reducing energy use, costs, and carbon emissions on site.
An energy auditor will review your past energy bills, your equipment, and the way your business operates. They’ll show you where you’re using excess energy and explain what you can do about it. Find out about what’s involved in an energy audit HERE.
See our range of agricultural energy efficiency case studies HERE and Subscribe to our bi-monthly energy e-news HERE
If you have any energy efficiency related questions for the team get in touch at energysavers@qff.org.au.
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.
