Felleskjøpet's feed factory in Trondheim will be the first in the world to implement a new type of technology that significantly reduces energy consumption. Aneo will operate the heat pump ‘Frigg.’
On Tuesday, the Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, unveiled the industrial heat pump "Frigg," installed at Felleskjøpet's feed factory at Skansen in Trondheim.
– This is the green shift in practice. These are the types of projects Enova will support to contribute to innovation and transformation. Here we will see a very real climate effect, says Bjelland Eriksen.
The Minister of Climate and Environment believes "Frigg" will have a real climate impact. Photo: Aneo.
The enormous heat pump he started at the same time is set to reduce the electricity consumption of the feed factory by up to 75 percent – saving 7.5 GWh (equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 500 households).
– Felleskjøpet's overarching goal is to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The pilot project in Trondheim is a unique and important contribution to this effort, says Vebjørn Nilsen, Technical Manager at Felleskjøpet Agri.
Early Adopter
While the waste heat has so far disappeared out of the factory chimney as steam, "Frigg" will now recover most of it and reuse it repeatedly. The heat pump will replace the current steam boiler, thus significantly reducing the feed factory's climate footprint.
The factory at Skansen, where Felleskjøpet has been producing feed since the 1950s, will be the first in the world to use this solution. After the pilot period, Felleskjøpet will consider implementing the technology at more of its facilities.
– The heat pump technology has the potential to reduce 30 GWh annually, while contributing to zero emissions in our production processes, says Vebjørn Nilsen.
30 GWh is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 2,000 households – or a small Norwegian town.
Climate Solution
The Nordic renewable energy company Aneo, together with Felleskjøpet, developed the pilot plant, which Aneo will operate. In total, more than 40 million NOK has been invested in the solution.
– The temperature of the earth is rising, and we are in the midst of a climate crisis, and it's everyone's responsibility to do something. Reducing emissions and energy consumption is one of the most sensible things we can do. At Skansen, we are doing both, and in a profitable way for all parties, says Aneo's CEO, Gunnar Hovland.
Gunnar Hovland, CEO of Aneo, introduced the need to adopt profitable solutions to ensure a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Photo: Aneo.
The Beginning of a Sustainable Industrial Adventure
"Frigg" is Aneo's first major heat pump project delivered to the industry. Several projects are under development.
– We hope and believe these initiatives are the start of a Norwegian sustainable industrial adventure that responds to the government's initiative to ban the use of oil and gas for heating in the industry by 2030 and encourages the reuse of waste heat and energy efficiency, says Michael Bantle, Technical Manager at Aneo Industry.
"Frigg" was chosen as the name for Aneo's industrial heat pump. The name symbolizes a Nordic woman with a visionary approach, leading the way and seeking innovative solutions.
Enova Support
Through the support program "Piloting of New Energy and Climate Technology," Enova has supported Aneo with 9.17 million NOK to verify new heat pump technology and develop a business model around preserving valuable waste heat at the feed factory in Trondheim.
– The pilot project the companies have teamed up on can pave the way for other similar climate and energy projects in traditional industrial production. Not only can the experiences from Trondheim be transferred to Felleskjøpet's own factories in the country, but high-temperature heat pump technology also has greater potential both nationally and globally. We look forward with expectations to how the results can create opportunities that can bring us even closer to a low-emission society, says Nils Kristian Nakstad, CEO of Enova SF.
Vebjørn Nilsen, Technical Manager at Felleskjøpet Agri, enthusiastically explained the technology that will reduce energy use at the feed plant. Photo: Aneo.
Facts
Large parts of the industry in Norway still use oil or gas as an energy source. Some factories are already electrified and use electric boilers, but electric boilers are costly to operate and significantly burden the grid.
Industrial heat pumps are used in various processes to extract heat from a low-temperature source and increase its temperature to a level suitable for process heat, heating, or other purposes. Most industrial processes require process steam, which is currently primarily produced by boilers using either electricity or fossil fuels.
The use of fossil fuels contributes to significant emissions of greenhouse gases.
The heat pump at Felleskjøpet Skansen utilizes the factory's waste heat sources and replaces a conventional steam boiler. This technology thus contributes to several climate goals and increases energy efficiency in the process.
Facts about Aneo
The Nordic renewable energy company Aneo has its headquarters in Trondheim and was established in the fall of 2022. Aneo is owned by TrønderEnergi and HitecVision, with over 400 employees operating throughout Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Aneo is a major owner of power production, both through full and partial ownership in wind farms in Norway and Sweden, and also through a significant stake in TrønderEnergi's hydropower production. Aneo's mission is to ensure the availability of renewable energy and enable the transition from fossil to renewable solutions through renewable power production, electrification, and energy efficiency.
Aneo Industry is a subsidiary within the Aneo group, delivering industrial high-temperature heat pumps to the process industry. The solution provides significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, reduces large amounts of CO2 emissions, and frees up grid capacity for customers and society at large.
Facts about Felleskjøpet Agri
Felleskjøpet Agri had a turnover of 20.2 billion NOK in 2022 and has just over 4,000 employees. Felleskjøpet is the main supplier of technology and operational resources for Norwegian agriculture and has around 100 stores catering to farmers and consumers in Norway. Felleskjøpet owns Granngården in Sweden, which also has approximately 100 stores targeting the same market. Our business includes property management, bread and bakery products, as well as equipment for parks, facilities, and pets.
Felleskjøpet Agri is a cooperative owned by around 39,000 farmers. Felleskjøpet Agri is the market regulator for grain and a purchasing and sales cooperative for its members. The primary goal of Felleskjøpet Agri is to contribute to strengthening the economy of its members in both the short and long term.
Facts about Enova
Enova works towards Norway's transition to a low-emission society. This transition requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to technology development and innovation, and creating new values. Therefore, Enova works to ensure new energy and climate technology is developed and implemented in the market.
Enova SF is located in Trondheim and has over 100 employees. The company is owned by the Ministry of Climate and Environment and is financed through the Climate and Energy Fund and a small surcharge on the electricity bill.
