This case study summarises the outcomes from audits conducted on 10 Queensland turf, sheep and pasture farms taking part in the Energy Savers Program.
Energy Savers
Summary
Collectively the total energy consumption consumed from the measured areas on the 10 farms was 699,09kWh, at an annual cost of $185,317, resulting in emissions of 643 tonnes of CO2-e.
Opportunities: the main opportunities identified on these other farms include
- Pumping and Irrigation- Savings from Variable Speed Drive installation, pump replacements and maintenance. Changes to irrigation design and automation.
- Heating Ventilation and Cooling– (HVAC). Condensor motor, VSD, ventilation fan and heating upgrades.
- Lighting and General- Replacement and retrofitting of lights with LEDs, infrastructure upgrades to facilitate efficiency gains and general management changes.
- Solar and Batteries.
- Solar Systems- Ranging in size from 5-100kW systems.
Table 1. Technology Recommendations and Savings in the Turf, Sheep and Pasture Industry.
|
Recommendation |
Total | Energy Savings (kWh) | Cost Savings ($) | Capital Cost ($) | Average Payback (Years) |
Emission Reduction (tCO2-e) |
|
Pumping and Irrigation Upgrades |
13 | 56,408 | 40,712 | 152,664 | 4.7 |
51 |
|
HVAC |
3 | 4,356 | 986 | 7,850 | 5.89 |
4 |
|
Lighting and General |
4 | 7,631 | 3,201 | 24,830 | 7 |
7 |
|
Solar and Batteries |
2 | 27,906 | 7,426 | 60,695 | 8.8 |
25 |
|
Solar Systems |
11 | 156,551 | 91,094 | 260,571 | 6.5 |
144 |
|
Total |
33 |
252,852 | 143,419 | 506,610 | 5.1 |
233 |
|
Total Recommendations |
665 | 7,459,015 | 2,817,342 | 12,784,670 | 6.85 |
6,862 |
Table 1 highlights that total energy savings of 252,852kWh were discovered from the audit process.
Including production and potential tariff savings a reduction of $143,419 and an estimated 233 tonnes of CO2-e could be avoided per annum. At a capital cost of $506,610 the average payback was roughly 5.1 years.
Additional value adding from the energy audits showed how an increase in water delivery, could increase production and profit with a reduction in energy consumed per unit of output.
Table 2. Pre and Post Audit Metrics.
|
Metric |
Pre-Audits | Post- Audits |
Reduction (%) |
|
Consumption (kWh) |
699,019 | 446,167 |
36 |
|
Energy Costs ($) |
185,317 | 41,898 |
77 |
|
Emissions (tCO2-e) |
643 | 410 |
36 |
As 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 identify the most effective way to cut costs, reduce emissions and boost productivity.
The audits show that there are significant opportunities in the grains and fodder 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 to the e-news HERE
The Energy Savers Plus Extension Program is delivered in by the Queensland Farmers Federation with support and funding from the Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works.
