Caledonian Cheese’s containerised CHP plant In Stranraer, Scotland supplied via BasePower
Combined heat and power (CHP) specialists BasePower have contracted with Clarke Energy to provide a containerised energy centre at Groupe Lactalis‘s Caledonian Cheese dairy in Stranraer, Scotland. Some of the nation’s favourite cheese products are produced here including Seriously Strong and McLelland Mature.
The scheme was commissioned in December 2016 and is a major driver in ensuring the site’s sustainable use of energy. The scheme is projected to generate 77% of the dairy’s electricity consumption, whilst supplying 24% of the required heat demand. Improved efficiencies now reduce CO2 emissions by 2,000 tonnes per annum, whilst dramatically reducing imported electrical costs.
An in-depth analysis of site energy requirements resulted in a champion scheme, to meet the company’s intensive demands.
The energy centre was sized to provide the creamery’s 2MW power base load, with an electrical efficiency of 44%, and production of 1MW each of steam and hot water. The CHP works in conjunction with the dairy’s fine temperature and flow control requirements, for consistently top-notch cheese production.
The main driving factors for undertaking this project were to:
- Maximise financial savings
- Increase efficiency of operation
- Improve system reliability and resilience
Having evaluated the site’s energy demand and information provided by BasePower, Clarke Energy installed one of GE’s Jenbacher JMS612 reciprocating gas engines.
The energy centre is constructed off-site into a weatherproof, acoustically lined steel container, complete with a forced draught ventilation system providing the required cooling and combustion air.
CHP is an ideal solution for high heat and power intensive food manufacturers to address issues including rising energy costs, pressure from retailers to reduce their environmental footprint and to meet climate change targets.
