The Queensland government has launched a new website to help local manufacturers find energy cost savings through renewable energy transition.
The Energy Sustainability website, developed as part of the Advancing Renewables in Manufacturing Project, is intended to provide manufacturers with a comprehensive understanding of their energy bills and allow them to assess their business through an energy management plan.
It also offers case studies as examples of proposed energy savings and a solar energy calculator.
The tool was developed through financial backing provided by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the Queensland Government, Ai Group, and Shell Energy.
A sample of 20 manufacturers has proven that businesses could achieve large savings by pursuing sustainability, according to Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher.
“An average of 22 per cent potential energy savings were identified and nearly every business found some energy savings that could be made by making the switch,” Butcher said.
The sample includes an engineering and fabrication business located in central Queensland, which determined that it could save around 55 per cent on energy by switching to renewable energy, according to the minister.
“This is going to be crucial in the future and especially in the lead-up to 2032, so it’s important to see where changes can be made now,” Butcher added.
“Right from the outset, this project’s primary objective has been to improve energy productivity and efficiencies,” said Mel Ireland, policy and project leader for Ai Group. “Reducing energy waste is a low-cost initiative that can have a significant impact on a business’ expenditure and strengthen contracts with their clients.”
Mick de Brenni, Queensland’s minister for energy, renewables, and hydrogen, said the new website will serve as a “good practical help for the manufacturing sector.”
“Queensland manufacturers are world leaders, and many have expressed an interest in learning how to reduce their carbon footprint while continuing to grow their business,” de Brenni said.
