Energy Savers
Southern Downs

Stanthorpe Horticulture Farm

Implemented
1.5-1.8
Energy Savings
15.3
Savings
14,685
Industry
Horticulture
Product
Lettuce
Irrigation
Drip and Micro irrigation
Pumps
Centrifugal
Technology
Variable Speed Control
Capital Cost
$23,460

Summary

The farmer installed variable speed drives on two 37kW pumps providing an annual cost saving of over $14,500 with a payback period of around 18 months and electricity savings of 25-30% in the consumption of the pumps, corresponding to 1.5-1.8% of the site total energy use.  Other efficiencies were identified including some refrigeration improvements and a small Solar PV system which the farmer is yet to implement. Added benefits include emission reductions of 15.3 t CO2-e per year in average. 

Farm Profile

The farm, near Amiens in Southern Queensland, produces vegetables for supply to supermarkets. The main crops are iceberg lettuce, wombok, celery, broccoli and silverbeet. The site includes a main packing shed that contains cold rooms, vacuum coolers and ice machines as well as the farm office. All crops grown are quite water-intensive. Pumping is required to supply the large sprinkler irrigation network for most of the growing season from August to May.

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