Energy Efficiency
Energy costs are critical to the success of our industry
Energy cost and supply is the most significant and pressing concern for members of the Australian red meat industry, which is dealing with increasing costs, limited energy competition and limitations to the ability to implement cheaper and more sustainable options.
Low-cost energy used to be one of Australia’s long-term competitive advantages. Energy has now become
AMIC is working tirelessly to put the case to government and
opposition that things must be done, namely:
Policy Development
Development of policies that ensure a reliable supply of affordable energy. Furthermore, lobbying to governments to implement measures to reduce energy costs for meat industry members.
Energy Supply & Innovation
Supply of energy from an effective, competitive market, including in remote areas. Along with policies that encourage the meat industry to innovate in energy investments, especially in regional environments.
Constant Review
Review of the market structure and market rules for energy supply.
We assess the standard of energy usage across our membership base and review actions.
Alternative Sources
The primary energy sources consumed at the sites surveyed were electricity, natural gas and
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Electricity is used for refrigeration, compressed air and lighting. Natural gas and LPG is used for the hot water and steam systems.
There are significant differences in the energy breakdown for rendering and non-rendering sites. Non-rendering
sites used equal amounts of gas and electricity. Rendering sites used more natural gas/LPG (60-80% of overall
energy consumption) due to the additional steam required for the rendering process and wash down activities.
Current Legislation
Energy is at that critical stage, not only in terms of cost but also continuity of supply.
Urgent action is required and serious consideration should be given to taking meat processing plants off the grid.
AMIC is lobbying the Government for urgent change in this ever demanding sector.
Supply
As the demand for increaded productivity gets higher, so too does the cost of continueing business.
AMIC works with larger suppliers to bring our members relief in the form of industry recognised discounts. Join to to find out more.
Innovation
There are numerous energy efficiency opportunities and best practices that can be implemented at red meat
processing facilities. These range from simply improved housekeeping through to upgrade or replacement of
existing equipment.
Innovation comes from such activites as adopting solar products through to implemnting newer prower saving machinery.
Energy Investments
Section coming soon
Market Structure
Current market structures are used as a benchmark to assess the needs of members.
We then organise on behalf of our members a group rate that is well below market rate.
Review Process
Our review process happens internally as well at Council level. AMIC believes that the discussions for review should always be open.