What is it all about?

This project aims to identify, test and demonstrate practical energy solutions that can help protected cropping businesses reduce energy costs and emissions while maintaining productive, high-quality growing systems. Working with commercial growers, the project will evaluate a range of approaches under Australian growing conditions and assess their technical performance, economic viability and suitability for industry adoption.  

Protected cropping businesses face rising energy costs, increased pressure to reduce emissions and a need for reliable energy sources that support production. To address these challenges, the project will investigate technologies and systems that improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable and recovered energy, and make better use of existing resources and infrastructure. Trials will be conducted under commercial conditions to evaluate impacts on energy use, input efficiency, crop yield and crop quality.  

The project will generate practical evidence to help growers assess the costs, benefits and operational requirements of different energy solutions. Intended outcomes include reduced energy costs, lower emissions, improved resource-use efficiency and greater confidence in adopting new energy technologies. The project will also deliver case studies, technical assessments, economic analyses and practical guidance to support decision-making across the protected cropping industry.