Brief
The Whey Powder Facility at Lacto Serum France, operated by the Lactalis Group, stands as an example of industrial processes decarbonisaton with solar thermal. Commissioned in November 2022, this facility has a solar thermal capacity of approximately 13 MWth.
This solar thermal plant, the largest of its kind in France, has a substantial environmental benefit. By annually delivering approximately 8,000 MWh of clean heat, it contributes significantly to reducing CO2 emissions, preventing around 2,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year.
Technology
The solar thermal technology used in this renewable heat plant are flat plate collectors manufactured by Meriaura Energy. They cover an area of nearly 15,000 m2 and are completed by a 3,000 m2 storage tank capable of storing several days’ worth of heat producton to ensure contnuity of supply at night and on cloudy days during the summer period.
Solar thermal energy is used at three integraton points in the process: firstly, for preheating the main air supply to the drying tower, ensuring optimal conditions for the whey powder production, secondly, for preheating the regeneration air from the dehumidification system, and finally for preheating of air used for ancillary processes.
Financial Structure – Heat Purchase Agreement (HPA)
The project’s financial support comes from various grants, including those from the French Energy Agency (ADEME), Région Grand-Est, and GIP « Objectif Meuse ». The plant operates under a Heat Purchase Agreement (HPA) and it was designed, developed, built, and now operated by Newheat. This 25-year HPA guarantees a consistent supply of renewable heat to the client, Lactoserum France, ensuring both energy security and environmental responsibility.