GEA helps Nestlé cut steam consumption by 75% at its new infant formula plant
Source: The DairyNews
GEA's Cutting-Edge Technology Enables Nestlé to Achieve 75% Steam Consumption Reduction at New Infant Formula Plant
In a groundbreaking collaboration, GEA is set to revolutionize Nestlé's production facility in Nunspeet, the Netherlands, by implementing cutting-edge process and heat pump technology for a milk powder line dedicated to hypoallergenic infant formula. This innovative approach aims to reduce energy consumption for steam by an impressive 75%, contributing significantly to Nestlé's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions in its production facilities by 2050.
As Nestlé responds to growing demand for its Althera and Alfare infant formula brands, the Nunspeet plant is undergoing a major expansion, including the addition of a new processing line. GEA's role in this project involves equipping the plant with a revolutionary heat recovery system that utilizes exhaust air from the spray drying plant to generate 80°C hot water, substantially reducing the energy required for operations. The project also encompasses the integration of wet processing technology to supply the Nestlé spray drying line with prepared milk. The installation is scheduled for completion this year, with the plant expected to be operational by 2025.
A key feature of the initiative is Nestlé's focus on sustainability, aiming to decrease carbon emissions, dust emissions, and water demand. The GEA system, supported by a subsidy from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, is poised to make a significant impact on Nestlé's sustainability goals by minimizing the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with milk powder production.
Gerben Koopmans, Engineering Manager at Nestlé, emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the project: "The GEA system enables us to reduce the plant’s steam consumption by 75%, making it a Group-wide demonstrator for future-oriented solutions to minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in milk powder production."
GEA's integrated solutions, combining process technology with heating and cooling technology, are positioned to set a new benchmark in milk powder production. The project includes an ammonia heat pump for the spray dryer and a second heat pump supplying hot water for the entire production line and supporting various dehydration processes. GEA's comprehensive process technology package ensures maximum energy efficiency, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable and efficient infant formula production.
As Nestlé responds to growing demand for its Althera and Alfare infant formula brands, the Nunspeet plant is undergoing a major expansion, including the addition of a new processing line. GEA's role in this project involves equipping the plant with a revolutionary heat recovery system that utilizes exhaust air from the spray drying plant to generate 80°C hot water, substantially reducing the energy required for operations. The project also encompasses the integration of wet processing technology to supply the Nestlé spray drying line with prepared milk. The installation is scheduled for completion this year, with the plant expected to be operational by 2025.
A key feature of the initiative is Nestlé's focus on sustainability, aiming to decrease carbon emissions, dust emissions, and water demand. The GEA system, supported by a subsidy from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, is poised to make a significant impact on Nestlé's sustainability goals by minimizing the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with milk powder production.
Gerben Koopmans, Engineering Manager at Nestlé, emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the project: "The GEA system enables us to reduce the plant’s steam consumption by 75%, making it a Group-wide demonstrator for future-oriented solutions to minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in milk powder production."
GEA's integrated solutions, combining process technology with heating and cooling technology, are positioned to set a new benchmark in milk powder production. The project includes an ammonia heat pump for the spray dryer and a second heat pump supplying hot water for the entire production line and supporting various dehydration processes. GEA's comprehensive process technology package ensures maximum energy efficiency, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable and efficient infant formula production.
