This case study summarises the outcomes from audits conducted on 5 Queensland Grains and Feedlot farms taking part in the Energy Savers Program.
This case study summarises the outcomes from audits conducted on 5 Queensland Grains and Feedlot farms taking part in the Energy Savers Program.
The total energy consumption from the measured areas on the 5 farms was 390,620kWh at an annual cost of $104,111, resulting in emissions of 316 tonnes of CO2-e.
Opportunities: the main opportunities identified on the Grains and Feedlot farms include
Table 1. Technology Recommendations and Savings in the Grains and Feedlot Industry.
Recommendation |
Total | Energy Savings (kWh) | Cost Savings ($) | Capital Cost ($) | Average Payback (Years) |
Emission Reduction (tCO2-e) |
Pumping and Irrigation Upgrades |
6 | 52,009 | 11,404 | 107,000 | 11 |
42 |
Lighting and General |
2 | 8,557 | 705 | 18,794 | 33 |
7 |
Solar and Batteries |
1 | 7,053 | 775 | 15,000 | 19 |
6 |
Solar Systems |
7 | 107,405 | 28,225 | 120,990 | 4.3 |
87 |
Total |
16 | 175,020 | 41,109 | 261,784 | 16.8 |
142 |
Total Recommendations |
665 | 7,459,015 | 2,817,342 | 12,784,670 | 6.85 |
6,042 |
Table 1 highlights the potential energy savings of 175,020kWh identified in the audits.
Including production benefits, a saving of $41,109 and an estimated 142 tonnes of CO2-e could be avoided per annum. At a capital cost of $261,784, the average payback was 116.8 years.
Additional value adding from the energy audits showed how an increase in water delivery, could increase production and profit with a reduction in energy consumed per unit of output.
Table 2. Pre and Post Audit Metrics.
Metric |
Pre-Audits | Post- Audits |
Reduction (%) |
Energy Consumption (kWh) |
390,620 | 215,600 |
44 |
Energy Costs ($) |
104,111 | 63,002 |
39 |
Emissions (tCO2-e) |
316 | 174 |
44 |
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.
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 grains and feedlot industry to improve energy efficiency by implementing solar systems. A Mareeba hay farm has saved over $12,000 per year by implementing a solar pump system with a 3-years payback period, to see more detail 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.