Volac LNG conversion cuts both costs and emissions

Volac, which is an international dairy nutrition business, recently switched to using LNG for its energy needs at its factory in Felinfach, Wales. Originally, the company was using heavy fuel oil (HFO) and gas oil. This marks the largest ever LNG conversion in Europe.

Volac claims that it chose to use LNG because it was the most beneficial solution compared to other possible alternatives, such as ultra-light heating oil (ULHO), biofuel oil mixes, mains natural gas and LPG.

The gas, which is provided by Flogas Britain, has enabled Volac to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% and fuel costs y/y by 7% over the first 12 months.

Rob McCord, the Flogas Head of LNG, said: “Volac is one of Flogas Britain’s largest customers and we are extremely proud to be a valued supplier. Initially this was an LPG proposition, which we then developed into an LNG solution having thoroughly understood Volac’s requirements. The benefits we’ve achieved are remarkable and are a result of our two companies working diligently together. It’s fair to say that both businesses are proud of their achievement and we feel this certainly sets the standard for other rural businesses.”

The Head of Procurement at Volac, Heather Davies, added: “Flogas’ understanding of our requirements and their technical expertise has given us the confidence to make the switch from HFO to LNG. Their flexible project and account management enabled a collaborative relationship to be formed which made the whole switchover process straightforward.”

The General Manager at the Felinfach factory, Johnathan Hogg, said: “Working with Flogas on this project has been exciting and rewarding. Their team is open-minded and pro-active, and as such they have enabled the development of this opportunity, which is amongst the first of its kind in British industry. Not only has this project reduced our carbon footprint and costs, it should pave the way for other similarly constrained rural businesses to follow suit.”

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/07012016/volac-lng-conversion-cuts-both-costs-and-emissions-1839/