Meat manufacturer receives $6 million for clean technology

One of southern Queensland’s biggest meat manufacturers has received a $6.2 million grant to invest in clean technology to improve its production efficiency and cut energy costs in its operations.

AJ Bush & Sons was awarded the grant as part of the government’s Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program. The company will match the grant on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

The company will upgrade or replace inefficient coal-fired boilers with high-efficiency boilers, reducing the amount of black coal required during the steam raising process. It will also cover its anaerobic ponds to capture methane gas, using this as a renewable fuel source to power a new biogas boiler for steam production.

According to Minister for Industry and Innovation Greg Combet, the measures will improve energy efficiency and deliver a significant reduction in the company’s direct carbon liability at its Bromelton plant.

“This project will reduce the carbon emissions intensity of AJ Bush & Sons’ steam raising production processes by 64% and cut their energy cost by 46%,” Combet said.

The $200 million program has so far provided $9.3 million to 12 meat processors, renderers and smallgoods manufacturers around the country. The program is open to eligible manufacturers with funding provided over six years from 2011-2012.

“I encourage manufacturers who are looking to make investments in energy-efficient capital equipment to take a look at the guidelines and consider applying,” Combet said.

For more information on the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Program, call AusIndustry on 13 28 46 or visit www.ausindustry.gov.au.