The Federal Government has allocated almost $2 million towards feasibility studies to deploy new energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives — and one such study will take place in Greater Shepparton.
The Albanese Government is funding Aussie businesses — through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency — to investigate innovative technologies, that can reduce emissions and improve productivity in hard-to-abate industries.
Unilever is among the 10 businesses selected to receive funding — in its case $149,850 to explore new ways to deploy renewable energy and energy efficiency to unlock savings and reduce emissions across three of its factories, including the Continental soup and Hellman’s mayonnaise factory in Tatura.
The grant will help Unilever to investigate the best mix of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies to be deployed across their factories, including heat pumps, thermal energy storage, energy demand management and solar thermal energy — all with the aim of developing a ‘decarbonisation roadmap’ which could be replicated in other factories.
“Businesses across Greater Shepparton know that investing in energy performance unlocks productivity and energy savings. We want to help businesses around the country make every watt count,” Climate Change and Energy Assistant Minister Jenny McAllister said.
“We know how important Unilever’s factories are to workers and the community from Tatura to Minto, and the Albanese Government is making sure that they can unlock energy and emissions savings.
“With ARENA’s expertise, this grant will not only help Unilever scope and pioneer innovative energy saving upgrades but demonstrate the technology to help the Australian manufacturing industry decarbonise and become more competitive.”
It is forecast that Unilever may be able to reach an energy efficiency target of 29 per cent through the grant, while reducing emissions.
Its Tatura factory was one of the first sites to get solar thermal energy.