Energy costs are the second largest gross margin cost item for Australian cotton growers after wages. Half of this cost is consumed in pumping water for irrigation. Therefore, small improvements in pump efficiency make significant improvements to the bottom line of cotton production. Pump efficiency improvements significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cotton production. Improvements in pump efficiency can also result in increased water harvest volumes. Production and gross income is directly proportional to available water. Small improvements in water harvest volumes have a large, positive impact on gross income, profit and viability of the Australian cotton industry.

The primary aim of this project was to obtain a better understanding of the energy efficiency of pump installations in the Australian cotton industry. To do this, the project undertook a number of areas of investigation. Broadly, these areas are:

1. Characterise Pumping Systems in the Australian Cotton Industry.

2. Improve Pumping System Performance in the Australian Cotton Industry.

3. Increase industry awareness of pump operating parameters and opportunities for improvement.

This project is principally reported in the attachment: ‘The performance of pumping systems in the Australian cotton industry.’ (the report). This report outlines, in detail, the objectives, methods, results, outcomes and opportunities resulting from the project. The report is intended to be a document containing the current knowledge of pumps in the Australian cotton industry and present technical aspects in a reader-friendly manner. This report is intended for public release.