Dairy Crest – UK

Issue

The dairy sector faces the challenge of climate change and satisfies the environmental requirements of its key customers (retailers) although the economic performance of this sector is conditioned by its ability to innovate in terms of good environmental practices. 

The customer's objective

Play an active role, as the UK dairy market leader, in mitigating and adapting to climate change while increasing production capacity at the Davidstow site. To achieve this, focus on reducing the group's carbon footprint: use of greener energy sources, development of more efficient energy systems, and financing of renewable energy technologies.

Veolia's solution

Design and build a biomass-fired heating network for the largest dairy group in the UK. It must be able to supply the 100 000 tonnes of steam required for the processes (pasteurisation and drying) used to make 55 000 tonnes of cheese every year.

Innovation

The new biomass-fired steam plant runs on wood pellets from corporate waste, including building and public works, stores, and individuals. 

After being collected, the wood is sorted by grade (grade A for Dairy Crest) and checked to ensure it meets environmental requirements. Then it is shredded and cleaned of all contaminants (nails, staples). Once dried, it is processed into pellets.

Technologies

Highly efficient and competitive (compared to conventional biomass-fired boilers), Veolia's solution is based on proven technology:

• use of Byworth Chain Grate-Type Stoker boilers, a technology generally used for coal;

• boiler coupled to a gas turbine to optimise carbon emission reduction;

• advanced combustion system with efficient filters.

Les bénéfices client

Energy efficiency

• 40 % reduction of energy costs (supply and operation).

• 90 % coverage of steam requirements by renewable energy.

Environmental performance

• 28 % reduction in Dairy Crest's carbon emissions.

• Use of wood waste helps turn it into a valuable energy source and greatly reduces landfilling.

Economic performance

The energy savings made as soon as the biomass-fired boiler entered into service accelerated return on investment for the customer.

Social performance

With a workforce of 200, including six employees dedicated to the biomass-fired boiler, the Davidstow site is one of the largest employers in northern Cornwall. It also helps to secure the dairy sector, through an exclusive partnership with 330 farmers in an area of 80 km between Devon and Cornwall.