The Palaszczuk Government’s new Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant program will help manufacturers reduce their energy usage and cut energy costs, by providing direct support to manufacturing businesses.
From today, eligible manufacturers can apply for matched grant funding of between $5,000 and $25,000 to buy equipment or introduce processes that will reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
With the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, Queensland is now one of the best places for renewable energy investment and that flows all the way down the supply to chain, creating opportunities for Queensland manufacturers – particularly those who are already on the path to decarbonisation.
This is another way the Palaszczuk Government is ensuring Queensland manufacturing businesses are positioned to take advantage of these new opportunities and become more nationally and internationally competitive.
$7.1 million will be spread across two rounds with MEEG Round 2 being released next year. MEEG Round 1 Guidelines are now available online with applications accepted from 23 October 2023. The Round will close on 30 June 2024 or when the funding is exhausted.
To be eligible, projects must be able to demonstrate at least a 10% reduction in energy use or carbon emissions directly related to project implementation.
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
“Our government understands that energy is critical to competitiveness in manufacturing, and we recognise the importance of the industry for secure full-time jobs in our regions.
“Our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will provide renewable and affordable power that will set up manufacturing in our regions for the next century.
“These grants will provide immediate support for Queensland’s manufacturing businesses to improve energy efficiency.
“This initiative complements our governments cost of living package – delivering the largest response to global and national cost of living pressures of any government in the country.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Mick de Brenni:
“The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is not just delivering more economic growth but is critical to protecting thousands of existing jobs in industries across agriculture, construction, manufacturing, minerals mining and processing.
“Not only will these manufacturers benefit from the business of building these projects and the Queensland SuperGrid, but now they can benefit even more from the cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy it will provide to them.
“These programs are only possible due to the strength of our economy and Labor’s progressive coal royalties that are delivering a fair share back to Queenslanders, especially those in our mighty regions.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher:
“We're committed to helping Queensland manufacturers be more competitive in a low-carbon future.
“And these grants will help them do just that, by adopting efficient and sustainable manufacturing practices. Importantly, greater energy efficiency reduces costs for businesses.
“We know that the demand for net zero supply chains continues to grow and we want to support our local manufacturing industry so they are ready to make the most of these opportunities.”
Quotes attributable to Australian Industry Group Queensland A/State Head Dean Deighton:
“Cutting energy costs often takes significant investment upfront, and the Ai Group is glad that the Queensland State Government is listening to industry and providing some financial help to businesses hard-pressed by volatile energy prices.
“We anticipate strong demand for the grants announced today, and we hope the Queensland Government will be prepared to refine and expand the program over time to help more businesses modernise their energy use, cut their bills and reduce pressures on the wider energy system.”
Further Information:
Queensland manufacturers seeking more information about project eligibility criteria, key timeframes and assessment criteria should visit www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/MEEG.
The South West Queensland regions Toowoomba office and the local manufacturing hubs in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and the Gold Coast, are also a point of contact for potential applicants to discuss their projects and application eligibility.
Eligible projects could include:
- Converting gas or fuel process to electric;
- Replacing existing dryers with heat pump dryers;
- Gas capture for reuse in other processes;
- Replacing non-LED lights with LEDs;
- Upgrades to motors;
- Optimising compressed air storage.
