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 major competitive disadvantage.

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 Policy

Rising energy costs and lack of reliable supply are threatening to push Australia’s red meat processing offshore.

The Australian Meat Industry Council is currently conducting a survey of its members to determine the scale of the problem and help create an energy policy for the industry.

Early results of the survey have showed that energy costs were up an average of 30 per cent in 2016 when compared with 2018.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Ready To Join Us?

AMIC works on behalf of its members to effect change in areas that impact their businesses including energy efficiency; food regulation; market access; animal welfare; and access to labour.

© 2019 Australian Meat Industry Council.  All rights reserved

CONTACT US

2nd Floor, 460 Pacific Highway
St Leonards NSW 2065

PO BOX 1208
Crows Nest NSW 1585

P:   02 9086 2200
E:   [email protected]

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