Grants generate $89 million in clean energy investment

The Gillard government is providing new grants from the Clean Technology Investment Programs worth a combined $30 million to help 89 Australian manufacturers improve energy efficiency, reduce power bills, improve competitiveness and cut carbon pollution dramatically.

The Minister for Industry and Innovation, Greg Combet, said the latest grants from the $1 billion programs will generate $89 million of total investment in energy-efficiency projects as businesses supplement the grants with their own funds.

Projects include:

• A $3,256,333 grant to Queensland’s Boral Bricks, Darra, for a $9.8 million project expected to cut carbon emissions intensity by 56% and result in savings of $550,000 in energy costs per year by replacing 110 kiln cars and upgrading existing kiln and dryers.
• A $2,152,786 grant to South Australia’s Downer Edi Works, Wingfield, for a $6.5 million project expected to cut carbon emissions intensity by 25% and result in savings of over $500,000 in energy costs per year by replacing two 40-year-old asphalt plants with more efficient plants.
• A $1,053,500 grant to Victoria’s Wodonga Rendering for a $4.1 million project expected to cut carbon emissions intensity by 41% and result in energy cost savings of $761,000  per year by installing a trigen plant which produces hot water and steam more efficiently.
• A $1,004,253 grant to NSW Sugar Milling Co-Operative Limited, Harwood, for a $3 million project expected to cut carbon emissions intensity of the Sugar Mill boiler by 53% and result in savings of $660,000 in energy costs per year by installing equipment to improve boiler thermal efficiency and reduce energy use.
• A $616,432 grant to Victoria’s Nissan Casting, Dandenong, for a $1.9 million project expected to cut carbon emissions intensity by 41% and result in savings of $252,000 in energy costs per year by replacing four existing furnaces with one high-efficiency furnace.
• A $43,093 grant to Western Australia’s Borrello Cheese, Oakford, for an $86,000 project expected to cut carbon emissions intensity by 28% and result in savings of over $17,000 in energy costs per year by installing a solar power system to reduce electricity consumption from the grid.

“Over coming years, the Clean Technology Investment Programs are expected to support around 3000 projects and help many manufacturers across Australia use energy more efficiently,” Combet said.

“The grants will help manufacturers transform the way they do business and become cleaner, more efficient and more sustainable. These programs are part of the Gillard government’s Clean Energy Future package and are funded by carbon price revenue.”

The latest grants under the Clean Technology Investment Programs included 39 from the general Clean Technology Investment Program and 50 from the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program.

A full list of the 89 grants is available here.