Qld Govt releases grant program for manufacturers

The Queensland Government has released a Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant program to help manufacturers reduce their energy usage and cut energy costs by providing direct support to manufacturing businesses.

Eligible manufacturers can apply for matched grant funding of between $5000 and $25,000 to buy equipment or introduce processes that will reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Eligible projects could include the following:

• 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.

The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan has created opportunities for Queensland manufacturers to invest in renewable energy all the way down the supply chain.

“Our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will provide renewable and affordable power that will set up manufacturing in our regions for the next century,” said Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

$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.

“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,” said Minister for Energy Mick de Brenni.

For more information, visit https://www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/manufacturing/manufacturing-assistance-programs/meeg.

Image credit: iStock.com/Sakorn Sukkasemsakorn