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Page title
Grape Expectations: Crushing Energy Costs in the Vineyard
Page title
Grape Expectations: Crushing Energy Costs in the Vineyard
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Cindy Godden
15 April 2026
By QRIDA Regional Area Manager for Burnett, Cindy Godden
Energy is a key input cost for running a vineyard, from irrigation and pumping to refrigeration and processing. As costs continue to rise, improving energy efficiency is becoming a practical way to reduce overheads while maintaining vineyard performance and wine quality.
Across Queensland, growers are finding that small, targeted improvements can make a real difference. From upgrading equipment to better managing when and how energy is used, these changes are helping to lower costs and support more efficient day-to-day operations and better long-term viability.
Here’s five on-farm energy efficient upgrades viticulturists could consider: 
- Enhance irrigation systems: Irrigation is one of the biggest uses of energy when growing grapes. Ensuring systems are well designed, leaks are fixed, and pumps are truly efficient through correct sizing can reduce energy use while maintaining vine health.
- Upgrade pumps and motors: Older pumps and motors can be inefficient due to electricity draw in the start-up phrase or in general running. Technology is always improving so replacing or upgrading equipment, or installing variable speed drives, can significantly cut energy consumption.
- Optimise refrigeration and cooling: Wineries rely heavily on cooling for fermentation and storage. Regular maintenance and upgrading to energy efficient systems and processes can reduce power use without impacting wine quality.
- Use automation and scheduling: Automating irrigation or scheduling high energy tasks during off peak periods can help reduce energy costs and improve consistency across operations.
- Make the most of solar and new technology: Vineyards typically have strong daytime energy demand, from irrigation to kitchens to cellar door tastings, making vineyards well suited to adopting solar and other smart technologies.
QRIDA Sustainability Loans of up to $1.3 million can help fund a range of energy efficiency upgrades at a concessional interest rate, making improvements more achievable for vineyard operators.
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.
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