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Case Studies

Case Studies

The Queensland Farmers’ Federation have completed a number of case studies with farms in Queensland to better understand energy saving and cost saving opportunities. Explore these case studies by using the filters below.

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Horticulture

Wide Bay Burnett

Gayndah Citrus Plantation

A Type 3 Energy Audit was conducted at a pump station on a 100 hectare Gayndah citrus farm. The farm produces a range of citrus varieties with around 38,000 trees across 20 blocks. The plantation requires irrigation all year round with a peak period during the summer.
The pumps operated for 3,300 hours in the year before the audit, consuming over 350,000 kWh with a higher proportion consumed during the summer.

Energy Savings 60% Cost Savings 55,562

Horticulture

Wide Bay Burnett

North Burnett Horticulture Farm

This Avocado farm in the North Burnett consumed 179,808 kWh of power at its main irrigation shed at a cost of $45,349. The farm’s electricity Tariff is Ergon’s Small Business Retail 22C.

Energy Savings 38% Cost Savings $23,291

Horticulture

Wide Bay Burnett

Benyenda Citrus, Gayndah

Benyenda Citrus have been in operation since 1921 producing Grapefruits, Mandarins, Lemons, Limes, and Oranges. There is always some harvesting taking place throughout the year. The quietest months are September - November, with the busiest months being April - August. The annual energy consumption can vary noticeably dependent upon growing conditions and the amount of produce harvested.

Energy Savings 35% Cost Savings $35,515

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Southern Downs

Savina Lane Wines

A recent energy audit showed how improving the current systems can lead to energy and cost savings. The recommendations explored in the audit and implemented included replacing the dam pump with an 11kW unit and installing a 9.75kW solar PV system, which have achieved energy savings of 231% per year. Additionally, a switchable real-time energy meter has been installed on the pump circuit allowing monitoring of energy consumption and control of the pump from a mobile device.

Energy Savings 231% Cost Savings $2,050

Strawberries

Southern Downs

Sweet Strawberry Farm

A Southern Downs nursery has saved money and reduced energy consumption after implementing the recommendations from a recent Energy Savers Audit. The farm implemented the recommended refrigeration upgrades.

Energy Savings 2% Cost Savings $3,448

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South-East

Gatton Fruit Farm

A farming enterprise located in the South East region growing stone fruit, persimmon and figs has saved money and reduced energy consumption after implementing the recommendations from a recent Energy Savers Audit. The recommendations explored in the audit included a new pump, refrigeration and LED lighting upgrades.

Energy Savings 9% Cost Savings $10,500

Horticulture

Atherton Tablelands

Atherton Horticulture Farm

A horticulture farm located in the Atherton Tablelands region growing mango, custard apple and sweet corn has benefited from saved money and reduced energy consumption after implementing the recommendations from a recent Energy Savers Audit. The recommendation installed included a Solar PV system.

Energy Savings 63% Cost Savings $4,374

Capture 3

Wide Bay Burnett

Favco Golden Mile Farm

A Wide Bay Burnett horticulture farm growing mandarins, mangos, and lemons, has saved money and reduced energy consumption after implementing the recommendations from a recent Energy Savers Audit. The recommendations included a booster pump replacement with a VSD unit.

Energy Savings 1.3% Cost Savings NA

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South-East

Toowoomba Horticulture Farm

Of the energy-saving opportunities evaluated, two initiatives were implemented with potential energy savings of 16%, a combined payback period of 20 years, and carbon savings of 16.2t CO2-e.

Energy Savings 16% Cost Savings $11,100

Brassicas

South-East

Laidley Horticulture Farm

A recent energy audit showed how improving the current systems can lead to energy and cost savings. The recommendations explored in the audit included replacing the 30kW pump with a new one including VSD, adding VSD to two existing pumps, and install a 12kW solar PV system. The farmer has implemented the VSDs and pump replacement solutions.

Energy Savings 12% Cost Savings $7,300

Avoes

Wide Bay Burnett

Bundaberg Horticulture Farm

A recent energy audit in an avocado farm showed how installing a solar system can lead to 17% energy and cost savings with emission reductions of 13.6 tCO2-e per year by investing $35,000.

Energy Savings 17% Cost Savings $5,000

Capture 2

South-East

Kalbar Horticulture Farm

A horticulture farm located near Kalbar could benefit by saving energy and money from recommendations in a recent energy savers audit. The audit recommended replacing the existing 37kW dam pump with a new pump of the same size including Variable Speed Drive (VSD), as well as install two solar systems, 12kW for the shed roof and a 10kW ground-mounted system for the main irrigation pump. So far, the farmer has replaced the pump.

Energy Savings 11% Cost Savings $5,000

Unfortunately there are no case studies found. Please check back later or select different filter options.