Arla Foods Ingredients installs electric boiler to cut emissions at Denmark plant

DENMARK – Arla Foods Ingredients has installed an electric boiler at its Danmark Protein whey processing plant in Videbaek, Denmark, as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. 

The company reported that the new system will cut annual CO2 equivalent emissions by an estimated 3,500 tonnes, with further reductions expected. 

The move aligns with Arla’s transition from gas to renewable electricity, with a goal for all its European plants to run on electricity from 100% renewable sources by the end of 2025.

According to Arla Foods Ingredients, the 16-megawatt electric boiler replaces two gas boilers and generates steam for spray-drying towers used in producing powdered whey ingredients.

The company said the installation would contribute five percent toward its target of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% from 2015 to 2030. 

When accounting for growth, the necessary reduction is closer to 80%.

Thomas Lauritsen, global sustainability manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, stated that the electrification of energy-intensive processes is essential for achieving the company’s climate targets while meeting the increasing demand for high-quality whey ingredients. 

He emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, “This is the latest initiative in our drive towards a carbon net zero future and a key element of our commitment to phase out our use of natural gas for energy production.”

The company reported that the electric boiler is part of a broader effort to implement sustainable technologies across its production sites.

Lauritsen also indicated that the adoption of electric boilers may expand further, stating, “It’s unlikely to be our last electric boiler – we see major potential for this technology at other powder-producing sites.” 

Arla Foods Ingredients continues to explore innovative ways to enhance energy efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint as part of its long-term sustainability commitments.