QBEST Ag is an initiative under the QBEST program aimed at helping small-to-medium-sized agricultural businesses reduce their electricity costs through sharing information and practical advice on efficient energy use.
As part of this initiative, the Queensland Farmers Federation delivered 35 onsite farm energy audits across key agricultural sectors to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency within the Queensland agricultural industry. In 2024, Saturn Engineering Group was tasked to conduct 9 of the onsite farm energy audits. These audits ranged from pump and irrigation systems on cotton, citrus and sugar farms to a feedlot and piggery.
QBEST Ag builds on previous energy audits supported by the Queensland Government. Results are being published on the new Ag Energy Hub, which contains resources and case studies that demonstrate how agricultural businesses can boost their productivity and returns. Case studies for the 9 farm energy audits conducted by Saturn Engineering Group are here.
A Queensland-based farm specialising in summer and winter crops faced rising energy costs due to inefficiencies in its water pumping system. To address this, Saturn Engineering Group conducted a comprehensive Type 3 Energy Audit on one of its key bore pumps, responsible for irrigating over 600 acres and filling a large storage dam. The audit revealed significant opportunities for reducing energy consumption through maintenance and renewable energy solutions.
A Queensland farm producing table grapes and lychees sought to enhance its irrigation efficiency while reducing
energy costs. The property relies on three key pump sites—Pump Site A, Pump Site C, and a transfer pump system
between two storage dams—to irrigate its crops. With Pump Site C recently upgraded it is response for a majority
of the irrigation tasks, while Pump Site A is predominately used as a support pump. Rising energy costs, looming
Tariff changes and increased demand prompted farm to participate in the Large Customer Adjustment Program
commissioning an Energy Management Opportunity Assessment, which identified practical and cost-effective
solutions to improve operations and lower energy consumption.