AFGC powers next phase of decarbonisation with new Electrification Fact Sheet
12 March 2026
The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has partnered with EnergyLink Services to deliver a practical new Electrification Fact Sheet, equipping Australia’s food and grocery manufacturers with clear, actionable pathways to decarbonise. As one of the nation’s largest industrial energy users, the food and grocery sector is central to Australia’s energy transition. The new fact sheet provides a roadmap for manufacturers to move from ambition to action, highlighting technologies and measures that are technically proven and commercially viable today.
The fact sheet outlines the key drivers and barriers to electrification, explains how to build a robust business case, identifies available financial enablers, and showcases proven electric technologies already in deployment. It also includes energy efficiency opportunities, category-specific case studies, and a practical checklist to support detailed project design.
AFGC CEO Colm Maguire said the resource arrives at a defining moment for the sector.
“Food and grocery manufacturers are already taking meaningful steps to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions,” Mr Maguire said. “This guide builds on that momentum and provides practical direction for the next stage of decarbonisation.”
While progress has been made, natural gas still accounts for around 40 per cent of the sector’s total energy use. Further emissions reductions will require addressing high upfront capital costs and technological constraints – challenges the new guide tackles head-on.
“This is about empowering businesses with practical tools and real-world solutions,” Mr Maguire said. “Electrification presents significant opportunity, not just to reduce emissions, but to strengthen long-term competitiveness as Australia’s energy system evolves.”
Emma Peacock, Australian Industry Renewable Heat Accelerator Co-Lead, said practical resources like this are critical to accelerating real-world deployment.
“The food and grocery sector has a significant opportunity to reduce emissions and strengthen energy resilience, and many manufacturers are already taking practical steps to get there. Supporting industrial businesses to undertake early-stage analysis, and with practical resources like this fact sheet, helps accelerate informed investment decisions in one of the largest and least-addressed sources of industrial energy use.”
The AFGC also thanks the Australian Industry Renewable Heat Accelerator for its funding to support the development of the fact sheet and advancing practical solutions to support the sector’s transition.
The Electrification Fact Sheet positions the food and grocery sector to lead in industrial decarbonisation while continuing to supply Australian households and export markets.
Find the Electrification Fact Sheet here.
Media Contact:
Ingrid Cruz
media@afgc.org.au
