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.”
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
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.”
Woorndoo farmer Peter Coy runs the Salt Creek Scholarship program along with Tilt Renewables, using income from one of the wind turbines he hosts to sponsor country kids to go to university in the city. His stud merino farm hosts several turbines with $30K annually helping about eight students so far, to pay for accommodation and living expenses for their tertiary education.
Coy says “We had four kids of our own going off for tertiary education in the city, which made me very aware of how hard it is for them, with lots of extra expenses for accommodation and food. Many country kids miss out on the opportunity to study further. That’s what got it all started.
“It’s been a very rewarding experience that wouldn’t have happened without the rental income from the turbines. We’ve kept in touch with the students who received the scholarship and we have a presentation every year. Some of the past students come along too.”
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.