Australian Energy Management For Business

Thermal systems are used for many applications such as pool heating, steam for industrial processes, and to heat our homes and offices. These systems are typically fuelled with gas, an energy source that's vital to the economy.

According to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), “the start-up of Queensland’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities is forecast to more than double total gas consumption over the next five years (compared to aggregate demand in 2014, before these projects began). From 2020–25, gas-powered generation (GPG) consumption is projected to increase to support electricity consumption and the withdrawal of some coal-fired generation across the National Electricity Market. Maximum daily demand is also expected to increase, due to the same drivers.” (source; AEMO, 2016 Gas Statement of Opportunities, http://www.aemo.com.au/Gas/Planning/Gas-Statement-of-Opportunities).

These issues are changing the domestic gas market making it more expensive but also creating gas efficiency and procurement opportunities. For these reasons many businesses are reviewing thermal system performance to improve efficiency. Don't miss an opportunity to see what others have done through Smart Business Hub.

Thermal Systems projects

Meat Production Turning Waste Into Biogas

Key Outcomes

Total project value: €3 million
Implementation of biogas plant where no source of existing anaerobic bacteria was available
Full operating load being digested into biogas plant
Significant reduction in greenhouse gas, odour emissions and solid waste disposal
70% reduction in bunker oil consumption and market exposure

The Project

Finn Biogas worked with their client to build an on-site biogas plant converting manure, rumen content, fatty waste and blood into biogas which is now used to fire an on-site boiler for rendering operations.

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Meat Production Turning Waste Into Biogas

Key Outcomes

Total project value: €3 million
Implementation of biogas plant where no source of existing anaerobic bacteria was available
Full operating load being digested into biogas plant
Significant reduction in greenhouse gas, odour emissions and solid waste disposal
70% reduction in bunker oil consumption and market exposure

The Project

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Converting heat waste into energy used for mine cooling

Key outcomes

Cost savings of $2.7 million per annum
Total project value $5.5 million
18 month payback period
Saves 5000 tonnes of CO2 per annum

The ST Barbara mine in Leonora, Western Australia, had multiple gas generators which were producing heat waste. ETS were engaged to design and install an exhaust system which captures that waste heat and turns it into 5.6MW of additional capacity. The mine uses this additional capacity for its underground cooling system which means that traditional and much more expensive methods of expanding the cooling capacity were no longer required.

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Collins Square's Trigeneration Energy System by Optimal Group

Key Outcomes

5 star NABERS efficiency rating
Best practice commercial green building design
$2 billion project, largest of its kind in Australia.
Use of Capstone Microturbine technology

When the Walker Corporation started planning the new Collins Square development they decided it should lead the way in best practice commercial building green design and efficiency.

The Optimal Group helped them achieve this, along with exceeding the 5 star NABERS rating. The cornerstone of this plan was a modern embedded trigeneration system where each of the 5 towers making up Collins Square could generate part of its own electrical demand using natural gas.

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Super Efficient Aquatic Centre

Key Outcomes

25% energy and carbon reduction
$356k energy efficiency funding
Cash flow positive with an ROI in excess of 7%

Problem Summary
The City of Fremantle has ambitious carbon reduction goals of all buildings and structures within its operational control to be net zero carbon by 2020; powered and heated by a combination of on and off site renewable energy. As a major facility in the cities portfolio, an upgrade to the Fremantle Leisure Centre pool heating system provided an opportunity to reduce energy consumption, cost and carbon emissions. The City worked with EVO Energy Technology to achieve their goals and more.

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Superior Belt Cleaning System

Key Outcomes

12-month Return On Investment (ROI)
93% time saving allowing skilled workers to focus on high value tasks
98.5% water and 100% detergent reduction
Improved food safety
Turn-around time reduced by 100%

Problem Summary
A baked goods manufacturer ("the client") was experiencing bottleneck issues with their conveyor cleaning process. This process was taking three factory staff 80 minutes to complete each day. The process also used 200 litres of water and detergent. This was causing high production, labour and utility costs. The client turned to Bio-Steam to help them improve this process.