Fonterra is exploring whether heat pump technology can be used as an energy solution for steam generation in its dairy factories.
If successful, the conversion could reduce its CO2 output by 60,000t a year.
The co-operative has entered into a strategic partnership with Germany-based MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) to trial industrial-scale heat pump technology as a replacement for non-renewable energy in its dairy manufacturing process.
Powered by electricity, the MAN Heat Pump solution would allow Fonterra to produce steam to dry dairy ingredients using renewable electricity from sources such as hydro, solar, geothermal and wind.
After integration into Fonterra’s production infrastructure, the heat pump could produce more than 30t of process steam per hour, equivalent to a thermal output of 25 megawatts – the energy needed to power a boiler used in producing milk powder.
The partnership will undertake an engineering study to develop the integration of the heat pump technology into the co-operative’s existing milk powder production.
The study is expected to be completed by the end of April. The findings will be used to design a heat pump system at one of Fonterra’s manufacturing sites.
If the trial is successful, it will be the first time heat pump technology has been used in dairy manufacturing globally, Fonterra chief operating officer Fraser Whineray said.
“It’s a matter of trying to be much more efficient with the use of electricity to generate the same amount of steam,” Whineray said.
“We’re working to meet the expectations of our customers, consumers, and stakeholders here in New Zealand and around the world, who are increasingly wanting us to accelerate progress to reduce our emissions.
“A key contributor to this reduction is the co-operative’s transition away from coal by 2037. By the end of the year, it is expected that only six out of 29 sites will be using coal.
“We see huge value in collaborating with innovative partners to achieve this ambitious goal. MAN Energy Solutions will provide a resilient and efficient heat pump solution for our sites producing nutrient-rich dairy products.”
If the trial gives the green light, Whineray said it could be at least a couple of years before the technology is installed in one of Fonterra’s factories.
MAN ES chief executive Uwe Lauber said at the heart of the company’s strategy is the search for technology to lower industrial greenhouse gas emissions.
“MAN’s heat pump technology brings the economic and climate-friendly benefits of heat pumps to a crucial sector such as the industrial food and beverage industry.
“With Fonterra being the third biggest milk ingredient producer in the world, we are very much looking forward to supporting their decarbonisation journey with our expertise and cutting-edge technology solutions. Innovations that arise from such strong partnerships are key in the decarbonisation of industrial processes.”
