Australian government funds food-processing installations using ammonia

As part of the Australian Government’s plan for a Clean Energy Future, the Clean Technology Investment Program and the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program will provide $ 1 billion (around € 805 million) in grants in the coming years to support companies in maintaining competitiveness in a carbon constrained economy, through investments in energy efficient equipment, low carbon technologies, processes and products.

In light of the forthcoming carbon tax that will also introduce a carbon equivalent price on imports of synthetic gases, thereby increasing costs of these refrigerants by more than 300%, support from the government in form of funding is an important tool in helping manufacturers in the transition towards low global warming gases, such as ammonia.

Food-processing projects with energy-efficient ammonia systems

The first grants worth $ 8,1 million (around € 6,5 million) that will help businesses install over $ 23 million (€ 18,5 million) of energy efficient equipment were awarded to 13 projects. Included are at least two facilities that will convert their food-processing systems to installations using ammonia:

• Craft Chef, a producer of frozen meals and finger food in Western Sydney received a grant of $499,999 (€ 402,392) to replace the existing commercial style semi-hermetic blast freezer system with an industrial spiral freezer system using ammonia as refrigerant. The new freezer system will reduce carbon emissions intensity by more than 50 %.
• A milk processing plant of Fonterra Brands in the Riverina district of New South Wales has also received a grant of $ 152,881 (€ 123,107) to replace outdated refrigeration equipment with energy-efficient, water-cooled ammonia refrigeration.

Clean Technology Investment Program

Launched in February 2012, the Clean Technology Investment Program is a central part of the Government’s Clean Energy Future plan providing transitional assistance for businesses.

Some examples of eligible projects include:

• Waste heat recovery, including co-generation, heat exchange recovery on heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, condenser heat recovery in industrial refrigeration;
• Improved efficiency for refrigeration and HVAC systems, including improved technology, maintenance, controls;
• Supporting the development of products and deployment of technologies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions at manufacturing facilities.