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Aquaculture producers can power more, spend less with QRIDA

30 March 2026

By QRIDA Regional Area Manager for North, Angelo Rigano 

Energy efficiency is critical to sustainable aquaculture as it significantly lowers energy use, operational costs, and environmental impact.

For example, an energy efficiency audit carried out by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) found a North Queensland aquaculture operation could save over $100,000 and 65% in energy use by investing in energy efficient upgrades. 

If your goal is to improve your aquaculture operation’s energy efficiency, first you’ll need to understand your energy usage and costs, such as through an energy audit, and ensure you’ve got the best tariff. Then you can identify energy efficient improvements for your operation. 

Here’s five on-farm energy efficient upgrades aquaculture producers could consider:

1. Aeration and oxygenation: Use efficient aeration technologies to improve oxygenation. For example, many aquaculture producers invest in fine-bubble diffusers, inverter-driven blowers, and sensor-driven systems.
2. Automated feeding systems: Invest in automated feeding systems to improve feed conversion and reduce energy use from wasted feed and poorer water quality. 
3. Modern hatchery tanks: Upgrade to modern hatchery tanks with optimised features such as insulated materials, self-cleaning systems, Variable Speed Drive (VSD) motors, and heat pumps. 
4. Water quality and lighting: Implement energy efficient filtration systems, such as automatic filters, and lighting, such as LED systems. 
5. Solar: Install solar PV systems to generate energy, reduce water evaporation, and improve food production.

A concessional QRIDA Sustainability Loan of up to $1.3 million can help eligible aquaculture producers fund on-farm energy efficient upgrades. 

Visit QRIDA's Sustainability Loan webpage or call QRIDA on 1800 623 946 to find out more about how you can power more and spend less with QRIDA. 

Visit Queensland Ag Energy Hub's website to find out more about energy information for farmers. 

Note: The case study referred to in this article is a Queensland Ag Energy Hub case study. The Queensland Ag Energy Hub is managed by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and was funded by the Queensland Government.