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Leeds based Arla Foods is working closely with Arla Foods Milk Partnership (AFMP) farmers to trial a groundbreaking system that could save dairy farmers up to 70 per cent on electricity used for heating water, whilst reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
With increasing on-farm costs and the environment continuing to be at the top of the agenda, this renewable energy system combines solar panels with a heat exchanger to heat water to about 60°C, which can be used for hand washing and cleaning the milking parlour. The system functions by reclaiming waste heat from the milk refrigeration equipment using a well insulated heat exchanger. The combination of the solar panels and a heat exchanger creates two complementary energy sources that are efficient and effective in generating hot water.
Graham Wilkinson, Arla Foods environmental agricultural manager, said: "The cost savings will vary according to electricity tariff, herd size, milking parlour equipment, hot water requirements, size of the boilers and compressors, and the type of water heaters on farm. But it is so good that every dairy farmer should have the system." A major advantage, says Graham, is the quick recovery of capital costs with a payback time of about two to two and a half years.
The solar panel and heat exchanger cost approximately £15,000 to install but from January 2009, grants of 40 per cent will be available through some regional development agencies. It is estimated that the lifespan of the system is 10 years with electricity savings of around £380 a month.
Two AFMP members have installed the system. One, Mark Fletcher, who farms in Little Ayton in the North York Moors, said: "The first step to becoming a more efficient dairy farmer is to keep electricity consumption to a minimum. We want to match Arla’s commitment to reducing energy consumption in the processing sector."
Arla Foods is set to continue working in partnership with AFMP members to reduce energy consumption, and costs, and will be monitoring the performance of these first two installations over the coming months.
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