Transforming Waste Heat Into Energy
Sometimes, improving sustainability is not about major breakthroughs, but about finding smarter ways to use the resources already available to us. At our Vepymo hatchery in Poppel, Belgium, a recent investment is helping reduce energy consumption while improving operational efficiency.
A Smarter Approach to Energy Use
The hatchery recently installed a new compressed air system equipped with heat recovery technology. Instead of letting excess heat escape, the system captures and reuses it to preheat sanitary water and support floor heating across the facility.
By recovering up to 70% of the energy generated by the compressor, the hatchery can significantly reduce its reliance on gas and lower associated emissions.
Small Change, Big Impact
While the system required a slightly higher upfront investment, the environmental and operational benefits are substantial:
- Operating costs for the compressor are expected to decrease by approximately 33%.
- The additional investment is expected to pay for itself in less than one year.
- Part of the electricity powering the compressor comes from on-site solar panels, creating an innovative link between renewable electricity generation and heat production.
The final connection to the sanitary water system is currently being completed, and the team looks forward to realizing the full energy savings in the coming months.
Sustainability Through Practical Innovation
What makes this project particularly valuable is its simplicity. By recovering energy that would otherwise be lost, the Vepymo team is demonstrating how existing technologies can be used in smarter ways to improve sustainability and efficiency.
The initiative contributes to reducing the hatchery's environmental footprint while supporting more sustainable operations across the facility. It also serves as an example of how thoughtful investments can create both environmental and economic benefits.
Building a More Efficient Future
Innovations like this show that progress is often achieved through practical solutions implemented by dedicated teams. By transforming waste heat into a useful resource, the Vepymo hatchery is taking another step toward more energy-efficient operations and a lower-carbon future.
Naomi Duijvesteijn - Global Sustainability Director
Martijn Gruijters - Operations Manager, Layers.