Federal grant for semiconductor manufacturer to reduce energy use, pollution and expenditure

Technology company Silanna Semiconductor, which makes microelectronic circuits for space and defence satellites, deep-space probes and mobile phone infrastructure, has been awarded a federal government grant worth nearly a quarter of a million dollars to reduce its energy use and cut its carbon emissions intensity by more than 21%.

“Just as importantly, this $235,950 grant from the federal government’s Clean Technology Investment Program will help Silanna Semiconductor save $60,000 every year on its energy bills,” said Mark Dreyfus, Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency, Industry and Innovation.

The company will implement five measures to reduce energy consumption. This includes upgrades to lighting systems for the site, replacing an existing air-cooled chiller with a water-cooled unit and making improvements to the existing power factor correction unit.

“The $1.2 billion Clean Technology Program is helping businesses all over Australia with practical assistance to become more energy efficient and therefore more profitable, competitive and sustainable,” said Dreyfus.

“The grant funding is on a 1:1 ratio - this means Silanna Semiconductor will at least match the government’s grant with a sizable investment of its own.

“This is an outstanding example of an innovative local company using support from the Australian Government to transform its operations and help secure its future.”