On-farm renewables bolster Aussie farmers' energy security amid fuel and fertiliser crisis.
National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo
Tuesday 14 July
Australian farming businesses are facing pressures from a fuel and fertiliser crisis, rising costs, volatile commodity prices, labour shortages and increasingly variable weather conditions. At the same time, agriculture is being asked to play a larger role in Australia’s energy transition. Farmers will get the chance to discuss these issues at this year’s National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo on August 12th in Orange, NSW.
Following two sold-out years, this year’s conference will cover how Australian producers can make electrifying operations and reducing emissions stack up commercially.
Karin Stark, conference founder says “The conference is an important way to showcase farmers who are already using renewable energy to cut costs, improve efficiency and create new income streams. Australia currently imports 90 percent of our refined fuels and we’ve seen how vulnerable agriculture is to global supply shocks. We’ve ensured this year's program includes ways farmers can be more self-sufficient so the conference covers topics ranging from battery storage and solar-powered irrigation to electric farm vehicles, biofuels and on-farm fertiliser production.”
Speaker Francis Clark will share his experience of installing New South Wales' first bi-directional electric vehicle charging systems on his Southern Tablelands farm. Francis wasn't just looking for a new way to get around, he was exploring how a vehicle battery could become an integral part of a farm's energy system and make him some cash on the side.
Tom Warren, a farmer in Dubbo NSW will be speaking about how he grazes sheep under solar panels and the tax implications of hosting large scale renewable energy developments. Claire Booth, farmer and lawyer will also cover risk and insurance implications for farmers and neighbours of solar and wind developments.
In addition to the main conference on 12 August, a farmer-only networking session will be held on the afternoon of 11 August, providing an opportunity for producers to meet speakers, ask questions and discuss projects in an informal setting.
For those wanting to see renewable energy systems operating in the real world, optional farm tours on 13 August will visit either a solar-powered winery or the Flyers Creek Wind Farm.
For farmers facing rising energy costs and looking for practical ways to improve profitability, the event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from farmers who are already implementing these technologies and making them work commercially.
For more information, or to register, visit the Conference website at www.renewablesinagconference.com.au
Quotes from farmers below — for media enquiries please contact:
Karin Stark, Founder and Director of the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference at [email protected] or via 04676 02 886.
FARMERS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW
Francis Clark, farmer from near Tarago, NSW runs around 50 Angus breeding cattle. Francis was an early adopter of vehicle-to-home technology, and has spent more than two years using a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle to store solar energy and supply power back to his home and, when market conditions are favourable, export electricity to the grid.
"Most people think of an electric vehicle as just transport, but the battery can do much more than that. The battery in the Leaf is around four times larger than a typical home battery, and you get the wheels for free.
"In the early years, the price spikes were what made the economics work. That's where the real value was.
"The next major opportunity for agriculture will come as larger electric machinery enters the market. I don't think it will be long before large electric tractors become available. The interesting question is how farmers use those batteries when the tractor isn't working.
"For farmers considering electrifying vehicles and equipment, it's worth thinking beyond transport. The battery itself can become an important farm asset."
Gippsland farmer Chris Freney can speak to how he makes profit from poultry litter.
Chris’s system has been designed around three separate revenue sources. The first is electricity generation with methane produced through the digestion process fueling an internal combustion engine, generating approximately 8.5MW of dispatchable electricity.
The second comes from carbon dioxide captured during the digestion process. The third is from nutrients recovered from the digestion process, which will support algae and spirulina production, creating inputs for food dyes. Chris is optimistic that construction and commissioning will begin before the end of the year.
“I make about 10,000 tonnes of litter every year. The system has been designed for 35,000 tonnes, so we'll be looking to secure an additional 25,000 tonnes from other poultry farms in the region.
“Our focus is a reliable 5pm -11pm supply. We can provide this 365 days a year.
“We're focusing on the things solar and wind can't do. There is a premium in the market for reliable power during those evening peak periods.
“Around half of the electricity generated will be used on farm, cutting costs across the poultry operation. The rest will be sold, with the focus on delivering electricity where the market needs it most.
“For other farmers, energy alone often isn't enough to make these projects work. The key is creating multiple products and having offtake agreements in place. This project is happening without grants or subsidies, which demonstrates its commercial strength.”
Tom Gunthorpe, mixed livestock, cattle and fine wool breeder, from Kangiara, NSW.
Tom hosts turbines and worked with neighbours early on to negotiate and set up a decommissioning fund for the end of the life of the turbines.
“Our business is producing food and fibre and now we have a new business producing energy. We run 700 head of cattle, 1500 sheep and have 9 turbines.
“The decommissioning fund is for peace of mind. It helps to eliminate any financial exposure for landholders. However it’s a long time before these things will be decommissioned. The infrastructure could last 100 years with correct maintenance so there’s no reason why these things can’t just keep going.
“One of our primary benefits from the wind farm for Gunthorpe is drought proofing. The passive income makes a huge difference to the viability of our business and will help future generations such as my daughter, to take over.”
Tom believes there needs to be a framework that the industry follows for decommissioning so other farmers can take up the benefits as well if it suits their farm.
To interview any of the above farmers, or for more information on the conference please contact Karin Stark, Founder and Director of the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference at [email protected] or via 04676 02 886.
Contact details:
Karin Stark, Founder and Director of the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference at [email protected] or via 04676 02 886.