Arla Foods Ingredients expands CO2 reduction efforts with new electric boiler installation

DENMARK – Arla Foods Ingredients has taken a further step in its carbon reduction strategy with the installation of its largest electric boiler at the Danmark Protein whey processing facility in Videbaek, Denmark. 

The move marks a pivotal shift towards renewable electricity, reducing annual CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions by an estimated 3,500 tonnes, with expectations of further reductions as the system reaches full capacity.

Housed in a facility that previously contained a gas turbine, the new e-boiler delivers 16 megawatts of capacity, equivalent to the power of 8,000 household kettles. 

It is designed to replace two gas boilers, providing steam for the high-temperature operations of the plant’s spray-drying towers, which are integral to the production of powdered whey ingredients.

Advancing emissions reduction goals

Arla Foods Ingredients aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% between 2015 and 2030. 

However, when considering projected business growth, the company estimates it will need to achieve closer to an 80% reduction. The introduction of the electric boiler will contribute approximately 5% to this overall target.

The initiative also supports the environmental objectives of Arla Foods Group, its parent company, which has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 63% within the same timeframe. 

This target has been endorsed by the Science Based Targets initiative as being in line with the global goal of limiting temperature increases to 1.5°C.

Scope 1 emissions refer to direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company, such as production facilities, while Scope 2 emissions include indirect emissions from purchased electricity. 

Commitment to a low-carbon future

Thomas Lauritsen, Global Sustainability Manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, emphasized the significance of electrification in achieving sustainability targets. 

“The electrification of energy-intensive processes is essential to achieving our ambitious climate targets while also meeting the growing demand for high-quality whey ingredients. This is the latest initiative in our drive towards a carbon net-zero future and a key element of our commitment to phasing out natural gas for energy production,” he said. 

“It’s unlikely to be our last electric boiler—we see major potential for this technology at other powder-producing sites.

The company previously announced a €32 million (US$34.5 million) investment in an electric heat pump facility, set to become operational later this year. 

By the close of 2025, all Arla Foods Ingredients plants in Europe are expected to operate entirely on electricity from renewable sources.