Suggestions: "Case studies", "Available funding", "Solar power and renewables"

Case Studies

Case Studies

Brisbane Chicken Farm

Energy Savings: 24%   |   Cost Savings: $11,200   |   Capital Cost: $55,000   |   CO2 Savings: 35   |   Project Status: proposed

Industry: Poultry
Location: South-East
Pump Type: Not applicable
Irrigation Type: Not applicable
Technology: Tariffs, Solar Power and Renewables

The farm, near Carbrook in south-east Queensland, comprises four chicken sheds, an office and three houses. A usable floor area of 10,200m2 houses around 172,000 birds. Each shed has tunnel and cross ventilation fans that operate via a central control system, as well as lighting systems and LPG heaters for winter, with an annual energy consumption of approximately 183,000 kWh at a cost of $38,000.

The farm was recognized by the auditor as highly energy efficient since already had a PFC unit installed, a Solar PV system and the better performing fans based on the characteristics of the farm. An energy audit showed how additional improvements to the system can lead to greater energy and cost savings by investing $55,000, the recommendation explored in the audit included:

  • Change the current electricity tariff.
  • Install an additional 30 kW solar PV system to supplement the system already installed, with the same capacity.

Table 1. Energy savings from audit recommendations

Recommendation Energy savings (kWh) Cost Savings ($) Emission Savings (tCO2-e) Payback Period (Years) Cost to Implement ($)
Change Tariff 2,385 0.5 1,000
Solar PV system 44,000 8,800 35 6.2 54,000
Total 44,000 11,185 35 4.8 55,000


By installing the recommendations in the audit, the business could reduce energy consumption by 24%, and costs by 30%, with carbon emission savings of 35 tCO2–e per year.

Table 2. Pre and post audit energy consumption and costs.

Audit Metric Pre-Audit Post-Audit Reduction (%)
Energy Consumption (kWh) 183,000 139,000 24
Cost ($) 38,000 26,815 30

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 onsite.

The Energy Savers Plus Extension Program was delivered in by the Queensland Farmers' Federation with support and funding from the Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works.

Capture

Back to case studies

Support opportunities for your farm.


A number of initiatives are available for Queensland farms and landholders wishing to find and adopt energy saving initiatives for their farm.

Learn more