Small and medium food and beverage manufacturing SMEs can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to adopt new energy technologies, improve energy-efficiency and cut power bills under the new $19.9 million round of the federal government’s Energy Efficient Communities (EEC) program.
The grants may be used to conduct energy audits, replace existing equipment with more energy-efficient models and improve energy monitoring and management.
The EEC program targets food and beverage manufacturers, which include some of the most energy-intensive small and medium businesses in Australia.
“It’s because they’re the engine room of the economy, employing one in four manufacturing workers, that the Morrison government is backing food and beverage manufacturers to be competitive through grants to lower their power costs and slash emissions, as part of the solution to Australia’s carbon neutral future,” said Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Tim Wilson.
“We’re supporting fantastic Aussie manufacturers like Bellevue Orchard based in Officer, Victoria.
“Businesses like this and others around the country will benefit from investing in new energy efficient technologies and by understanding their energy consumption more thoroughly. Reducing needless energy consumption also cuts emissions, … boosts competitiveness, creates new jobs and reduces Australia’s environmental footprint.”
Applications close on 18 February 2022 or earlier, if funding is exhausted. Eligible SMEs are encouraged to apply asap.
More information and applications
For more information, grant guidelines and application forms, visit the government’s EEC Program web page or phone 13 28 46.
Source: Food and beverage manufacturers supported with up to $25,000 I Inside FMCG