Optimisation of energy use and innovation in supply and demand would help to maximise yield and increase profitability in the agricultural sector.
Further business opportunities along the value chain could be unlocked through a proactive approach to waste management, transport logistics and demand side response.
SECTORS - AGRICULTURE
New report: Diesel use in NSW agriculture and opportunities to support net zero emissions
A report commissioned by A2EP for the NSW Department of Primary Industries has found that while diesel use makes up a relatively small proportion of agricutural emissions in the state, improving the energy productivity of diesel-fuelled equipment and switching to lower carbon alternatives will make an important contribution to emission reductions in the sector while also providing benefits to farmers.
In addition to detailing the current extent of diesel use in NSW agriculture, the report also sets out the most promising pathways for optimising and replacing on-farm diesel use, particularly partial or full electrification of stationary equipment and the powering of mobile machinery with biodiesel or renewable diesel while capacity and confidence is increased for non-combustion future alternatives.
Doubling agricultural energy productivity
We are seeking to lift the overall economic productivity of agriculture and the agricultural value chain through a focus on energy. Our aspiration is to double energy productivity across the Australian economy. To achieve these goals it is important to understand the farming systems within the industry and to accept that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy that could be implemented generically across firms and farms.
Collaborating with industry experts, we have developed a roadmap identifying the obstacles and opportunities on the path to doubling the energy productivity of the agricultural sector.
In 2019, A2EP conducted a scoping study for the NSW Department of Primary Industries exploring the potential for primary industries to improve energy productivity. The study can be viewed below.
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Agriculture Energy Investment Plan (PDF) - Agriculture Victoria
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Energy case studies - Queensland Farmers Federation
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Energy case studies - AgInnovators
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Energy savings at Skinner Partnership dairy, Dubbo, NSW - AgInnovtors
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Piggery producing electricity from biogas digester, Kojonup, WA - ABC Rural
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Solar powered tomato farm, Port Augusta, SA - Sundrop Farms
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Murray Goulburn Cooperative advanced separation technologies - CSIRO
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Thomas Foods International heat recovery from refrigeration (PDF) - Australian Meat Processor Corporation
