TRIAL TO SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY AND STORAGE FOR REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY
The Barossa Valley is set to benefit from new thermal energy storage that will maximise energy and productivity for Australian primary industries.
Glaciem Cooling Technologies (Glaciem) will receive support from the Federal Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to install new energy storage technology at Pernod Ricard Winemakers which will help reduce refrigeration and air conditioning costs.
Glaciem, with the University of South Australia (UniSA), has developed a new saltwater storage technology solution for refrigeration that maximises energy efficient cooling at off-peak times.
Glaciem will demonstrate the value of integrating renewable energy and thermal energy storage across three sites. The two other sites are at Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Queensland and Ceravolo Orchards in Oakbank, South Australia.
Through ARENA, the Government has provided $2 million towards Glaciem’s three pilot projects. Of the $2 million, $470,980 will be directed towards the Pernod Ricard Winemakers project.
Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister said the project will improve energy usage, help industry to reduce emissions and significantly lower electricity costs through the cooling process during wine making.
“The Government is pleased to support new technology that delivers real outcomes such as lower prices and emissions reduction”, said Minister Taylor.
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin welcomed the announcement noting the benefits to the local business and the wider industry.
“This is an exciting project for Pernod Ricard. Not only will this reduce the business’ output costs and reduce emissions but they are taking part in a project that will ultimately benefit the whole renewable energy sector”, Mr Pasin said.
“It’s a win, win with immediate and long term benefits for the local wine industry.”
Glaciem’s technology allows for energy use to be timed to access lower electricity rates in off-peak times and when renewable energy is being generated on-site.
The unit is recharged when energy is at its cheapest and then uses the stored energy for cooling applications during peak times. Glaciem also uses environmentally friendly coolant and a smart control and forecasting system developed by UniSA to optimise the storage system’s operation based on weather forecasts, electricity price forecasts, and customer demand forecasts to maximise customer savings.
The trial of this innovative cooling technology aligns with the Government’s policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support renewable energy generation through advanced technology development.
Minister Taylor’s office: John Hulin, 0466 443 917
Mr Pasin’s office: Charlotte Edmunds, 0402 343 753
