Improving Energy Efficiency in Regional Agriculture
Rising energy costs and operational efficiency are becoming key considerations across both manufacturing and primary production sectors.
In Regional Queensland, Nolan Pastoral, a food and agriculture business based in Allora, undertook an investment to modernise its grain storage operations and improve energy efficiency.
Through the Energy Efficiency Grant – Round 2, Navigate supported the implementation of an automated aeration system, centred around the GrainSafe 7000 controller, upgraded fans and a new electrical control cabinet.
Automated aeration system installed at Nolan Pastoral, Allora QLD
The Opportunity
Prior to the upgrade, aeration across Nolan’s grain silos was largely manual or operated continuously, with limited visibility of actual energy use.
This resulted in:
- unnecessary energy consumption
- higher operating costs
- increased wear on equipment
- limited control over storage conditions
Energy was effectively treated as a fixed operational cost rather than something that could be actively managed.
The Investment
The project involved a targeted upgrade of Nolan’s aeration system, including:
- GrainSafe 7000 automated aeration controller
- Integrated smart sensors (temperature and humidity)
- New electrical control cabinet
- Replacement of inefficient aeration equipment
With a total project cost of approximately $23,000, the system introduced automated, condition-based control — ensuring aeration only operates when required.
This shifted operations from manual oversight to a data-driven system aligned with efficiency, cost control and long-term sustainability.
From Approval to Delivery
As with all projects of this nature, delivery extended beyond approval.
Navigate supported the project through:
- funding structuring and approval
- implementation and system integration
- compliance and reporting requirements
- acquittal and outcome reporting
The project was delivered as planned, with all upgrades installed and operational.
Measurable Outcomes
The project is already delivering clear, quantifiable results:
- 40% reduction in energy consumption (~24,000 kWh per year)
- ~$6,000 annual energy cost savings
- ~14 tonnes reduction in CO₂ emissions annually
Additional operational benefits include:
- improved grain quality and reduced spoilage risk
- reduced maintenance and equipment strain
- labour efficiencies through automation
- improved safety and system reliability
A Shift in How Energy Is Managed
One of the most significant outcomes has been the shift in how energy is viewed within the business.
Energy is no longer treated as an unavoidable overhead — but as a controllable input supported by automation and real-time data.
This has introduced more structured, proactive energy management practices and improved visibility across operations.
Testimonial
“The system has significantly improved how we manage energy and grain storage. What was previously manual is now automated and optimised, and we’re already seeing measurable improvements.
We appreciate the support from Carli and the Navigate Business Solutions Australia team — their practical approach made the process straightforward and ensured the project was set up properly from the outset.”
— Julie Nolan & Rodney Nolan, Nolan Pastoral
Strategic Perspective
Projects like this reflect a broader shift across regional industries — where investment decisions are increasingly driven by efficiency, cost control and operational resilience.
Funding supports these decisions.
But the outcome is operational transformation.
Considering a similar project?
If you’re exploring opportunities in energy efficiency or operational improvements, it can be helpful to step back and sense-check alignment before progressing too far.
We’re always available for a short conversation if that would be useful.