Solar panels and cogeneration for Weidenaar Meat
60% of Weidenaar’s energy use is generated by the company itself, by producing renewable energy from solar panels and combined heat and power (CHP).
Using energy consciously is part of Weidenaar’s approach to corporate social responsibility. Since April 2010 there are solar panels on the roof of Weidenaar’s building. The energy produced here is mainly used in the company’s own production departments.
The 68 DEC Risun PV solar panels on the roof provide an annual yield of more than 13,000 kWh. Through a data network, the output of the solar panels can be visualised.
In addition to the solar panels, Weidenaar also generates energy through cogeneration (combined heat and power, CHP). The cogeneration plant has a heat buffer of 2,000 litres, and produces 70 kW of electrical power and 115 kW of thermal power. Residual heat that is released during the production process is used for the heating of the meat drying chambers, and to heat cleaning water.
Other sustainable solutions applied by Weidenaar include minimising road transport by only using meat from the Netherlands and by combining the distribution of the products to supermarkets with other companies that supply to the same retailers.
