Clean technology grants to cut manufacturing emissions

Monday, 06 August, 2012

New grants from the $1 billion Clean Technology Investment Programs will help four Western Australian-based manufacturers become more efficient and reduce their power bills.

The Minister for Industry and Innovation, Greg Combet, said the grants, worth a combined $1.8 million, would support these businesses with their installation of over $4.8 million worth of energy-efficient equipment.

“The Gillard government is partnering with business through the Clean Technology Investment Programs to help local manufacturers, food processors and foundries become more efficient, more competitive and more sustainable,” Combet said.

“With the help of over $1 million in federal funding, Richgro, one of Australia’s top garden products suppliers, will be able to generate all of its power on-site, reducing the company’s carbon emissions and its electricity consumption by 100%.

“This is just one example of the practical steps businesses are taking to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and boost capacity.”

“Richgro is one of four grant recipients in Western Australia as part of the July round of the Clean Technology Investment Programs,” said Melissa Parke, Federal Member for Fremantle.

“With the help of the Gillard government, Supa Stik Labels and Labelling Systems will be able to reduce its carbon emissions intensity by over 31% and Naturaliste Vintners will upgrade two refrigeration units to use more environmentally friendly hydrocarbon gases as well as insulating wine tanks with stainless steel.

“Canon Foods will also convert two electronically heated components of its processing line to a gas-fired thermal oil system,” she said.

“These grants are just the beginning. Over the coming years, the Clean Technology Investment Programs are expected to support around 3000 projects,” said Combet.

The $800 million Clean Technology Investment Program and the $200 million Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program are funded through the Gillard government’s Clean Energy Future package.