The Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program Funding administered by AusIndustry, (a division of the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education) and is available to all Australian foundries.  This Program is a central element of the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future plan announced in July in 2011.

The Clean Technology Food and Foundries investment Program (the Program) is a $200 million competitive, merit based grants program.  It will support Australian food and foundry manufacturers to maintain competitiveness in a carbon-constrained economy, through investments in energy-efficient capital equipment and low-pollution technologies, processes and products.  This program will provide grant funding over a six-year period from 2011-12 to 2016-17.

The majority of Australian foundries fall into the small to medium business category and do not have the staffing structure to resource an environmental officer on site dedicated specifically to energy efficiency activities and improvements.

The Australian Foundry Institute (AFI) identified an opportunity that could assist and support foundries in the area of gaining practical and effective information on immediate improvement activities and what assistance and funding is available that lends positive support in exploring opportunities with the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program funding.

In partnership with 2XE, CAST CRC and Materials Australia a program was developed with a clear objective – to bridge this information gap.

The AFI National Energy Efficiency Road Show was made possible by securing a Workshop, Industry, Intelligence and Networking (WIIN) grant.  The WIIN grant program is a small grants element of the broader Enterprise Connect initiative.  WIIN grants help businesses improve their performance by providing them with better access to innovations, technologies, expertise and best practice.  These services are delivered in a range of ways including seminars, workshops, case studies, networking sessions….to name a few.

Energy Efficiency forums were delivered in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.  The program included presentations with practical content related to:

• Conducting various types of plant efficiency assessments including energy audits, site visits and energy mapping;
• Identifying opportunities for plant and machinery upgrades, including the adoption of “clean technologies”;
• Process improvements to existing plants;
• Engaging staff to adopt energy efficiency practices and disciplines; and
• An industry discussion panels with presentations from CAST CRC and Low Carbon Australia.
• Other presenters included Enterprise Connect; AusIndustry; Office of Environment and Heritage; Sustainability Victoria; Zero Waste SA; and Schneider Electric.

The feedback from the forum attendees was very positive with participants advising that they found the program content practical, informative, refreshing and were keen to apply process improvements to benefit their businesses.

Following each forum a social networking session was hosted by each State branch of the AFI giving participants the opportunity to catch up with the presenters, peers and other business representatives.

Part of the primary objectives of the AFI is:

• To disseminate technical information to and promote education to AFI members.
• To support and where necessary, co-ordinate the activities of all State Divisions; and
• To provide an avenue for the expression of national opinion on any matters affecting the foundry industry and/or the interests of members.

 This project is a reflection of these objectives and the program’s success was made possible because of the support shown by members and partners.

The AFI will continue to develop national projects that support the industry.  By registering your interest in future programs you will give the AFI the support from members needed to successfully seek funding and assistance to benefit the industry.

Copies of the forum presentations are available for viewing and downloading from this website.

Foundries forge towards energy efficiency with Low Carbon Australia

20 April 2012

Low Carbon Australia is reaching out to foundries across Australia to help them gain access to energy efficiency finance in the face of rising energy costs.

Low Carbon Australia is meeting with industry representatives at the Australian Foundry Institute’s National Energy Efficiency Road Show over coming weeks to better equip them to plan and finance their energy savings projects.

 Low Carbon Australia’s CEO Meg McDonald said there was good news for foundry related businesses wanting to make changes now to improve energy efficiency and cut costs.

“The AFI sessions are providing key information about the Australian Government’s Clean Technology Program grants which include $50 million available to foundries and how Low Carbon Australia can assist with further finance,” she said.

 “The grants cover part of the initial equipment outlay depending on the size of the business and the project. We are able to help with tailored energy efficiency finance options to cover the gap.

 “Our finance is available for energy efficiency in the foundries industry and that can include projects such as furnace, air compressor and industrial process upgrades, lighting, installation of energy efficient electric motors and power factor correction devices.”

 Low Carbon Australia has partnered with major financial institutions and utility services including Origin, Macquarie, Alleasing and Flexigroup to provide operating and finance leases and on-bill financing options for foundries seeking ways to cover implementation costs.

 “We strive to tailor finance packages so repayments are either equal to or less than the savings made through installing energy efficiency solutions,” Ms McDonald said.

“We can help with both preapproved finance to assist with grant bids or with finance alternatives where grants aren’t an option.”

 The Australian Foundry Institute (AFI), in partnership with 2XE, Materials Australia, CAST CRC and supported by Enterprise Connect through a Workshop, Industry, Intelligence and Networking (WIIN) Grant is hosting an Energy Efficiency Road Show in each state.

AFI National Secretary, Janice Collett advises “Our objective with these forums is to minimize the confusion about energy efficiency projects and light a path of logical approach that provides foundries with practical and effective information on improvement activities and information on what assistance and funding programs are available.”

Further information about the free road show sessions is available at www.afiaustralia.org or to learn more about

Low Carbon Australia’s financing options see www.lowcarbonaustralia.com.au

Media Contacts

Jenny Napier

Low Carbon Australia Limited

www.lowcarbonaustralia.com.au

(07) 3188 1625

Low Carbon Australia was set up by the Australian Government in 2010 as a company limited by guarantee with an independent board of directors.

The Australian Foundry Institute invites you to attend the

National Energy Efficiency Road Show

With a Focus on

The Australian Government Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) - Working together for a CleanEnergyFuture.  As part of this program $1.2 billion has been allocated to the Clean Technology Program to help manufacturers to invest in energy efficiency and support research and development.   Is this available to you………?

The Australian Foundry Institute (AFI), in partnership with 2XE, Materials Australia, CAST CRC and supported by Enterprise Connect will be hosting an “Energy Efficiency Road Show” to be presented in each State.

Attendance at these forums is free of charge.

The forum content will focus on the Australian Foundry and affiliated industries.  The road show will consist of a series of Information Forums and Networking events, providing businesses with useful knowledge and key outcomes including:

• Why energy efficiency presents immediate opportunity for the foundry and associated industries and the benefits of adopting energy-efficient practices/equipment;

• What, how and when energy efficiency improvements can be introduced and managed – Ways to assess the company’s energy efficiency potential and take practical actions to improve energy performance and overall business health;

• Peer-to-peer learning and sharing of experiences; and

• Where to get support through State and Federal Government programs and service providers. Each Forum will consist of • Technical presentations on “best practice” energy efficiency, including energy audits;

• Facilitated discussions with an Industry panel; and

• Presentations and advice on where and how to access financial support and funding., including a presentation from Low Carbon Australia.

Following each forum, you are invited to stay on and attend a ‘networking’ session with refreshments that will also provide you with an opportunity to catch up with industry associates and invited sponsors who will have additional information available to you relevant to the content of the Forum.

Details of the Forum dates are:

Brisbane, The Sofitel, Wednesday 18 April 2012 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Gladstone, The Grand Hotel, Thursday 19 April 2012 2:00pm – 6:00pm

Sydney, The Mercure, Tuesday 24 April 2012 2:00pm – 6:00pm

Melbourne, The RACV, Thursday 26 April 2012 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Adelaide, The Stamford Grand, Glenelg,  Wednesday 2 May 2012 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Perth, Mantra on Murray,  Thursday 3 May 2012 2:00pm- 6:00pm

If you would like to register your interest in attending one of these sessions please complete the registration form at - www.materialsaustralia.com.au/AFI_EER

For any additional information about the Forums please contact Janice Collett, National Secretary, AFI on 0419 847 395 or email: secretary@afiaustralia.org

These events are supported by Enterprise Connect. Enterprise Connect is an Australian Government initiative backed by industry that offers comprehensive advice and support to eligible Australian small and medium businesses to help them transform and reach their full potential. Our experienced, independent Business Advisers provide confidential, unbiased business advice at no charge. For more information visit  www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au or call 131 791.

Canadian Trade Index

Institute of Refractory Engineers Australia

MacRAE’s Blue Book

Manufacturing Skills Australia

Metal Casting Technologies Magazine

Australian Die Casting Association

Tooling Industry Forum of Australia

Australian Aluminium Council

Australian Forging Group

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