The audit identified a number of cost-effective initiatives on site that could reduce gas consumption by 1,083GJ per annum including the items in the table below:
Recommendation |
Energy Saving (GJ) |
Cost Savings ($) |
Payback (Years) |
Solar Hot Water (Farrowing Shed) |
590 |
24,500 |
3.1 |
Temperature Control for Heat Mats |
415 |
18,500 |
0.4 |
Insulation on Hot Water pipes |
78 |
3,500 |
0.5 |
Total |
1,083 |
46,500 |
N/A |
Installation of Biogas |
1,680 |
67,000 |
5.3 |
The audit considered the opportunity to the install a biogas facility capturing and recycling gas produced from the piggery. This would reduce the high costs attributed to LPG, though due to production numbers, biogas production is limited and is not recommended unless the piggery expands into the future.
At a cost of $400,000 and a potential payback of 5.3 years the biogas is a more long-term consideration depending on the future direction of the farm.
Implementation of the recommendations in the table above would significantly reduce LPG gas consumption and dollar costs per unit of output with new KPIs seen.
Recommendation |
WEANED PIGS (ANNUAL) |
ANNUAL GAS USE (GJ) |
KPI (MJ/PIG) |
Pre-Audit |
21,510 |
2,102 |
0.097 |
Post Audit (General Recommendations) |
21,510 |
1,019 |
0.047 |
Post Audit (Biogas) |
21,510 |
422 |
0.019 |
The table shows the farm could achieve a 48 per cent reduction in gas consumption as a result of implementing the general recommendations. Should the farm capture and use biogas than a further 40 per cent reduction in LPG may be seen.
With LPG costs considerably larger than electricity, the farm should consider low cost, recommendations to allow additional capital expenditure to implement some of the larger energy saving measures.
The figures show there are significant electricity savings to be realised onsite leading to reduced KPIS.
An energy audit is a great way for a business to cut costs and boost productivity. Find out about what’s involved in an energy audit 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 in by the Queensland Farmers Federation with support and funding from the Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works.
