At Hendrix Genetics, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Our latest initiative at the Vepymo hatchery in Poppel, Belgium, is a perfect example of how technology can help us reduce our footprint while improving efficiency.
The hatchery recently installed a brand-new compressed air system equipped with heat recovery technology. This upgrade allows us to recover up to 70% of the energy input from the compressor and use it to preheat sanitary water for showers and floor heating. By reusing heat that would otherwise be wasted, we’re cutting down on gas consumption and reducing emissions.
While the new system required about 20% higher investment, the benefits are clear:
- Operating costs for the compressor will drop by 33%.
- Payback time for the extra investment is less than one year.
- Part of the electricity powering the compressor comes from solar panels, making this an indirect way to turn solar energy into heat.
The connection to the sanitary boiler is still being finalized, as the compressor was only installed last week. Once complete, this system will help us achieve significant energy savings and strengthen our Climate Resilience goals.
Every innovation brings us closer to a future where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. By turning waste heat into useful energy, we’re proving that smart solutions can make a big difference for our business, our planet, and the generations to come. So, if your site is planning to replace a compressor in a hatchery, consider choosing one with heat recovery. It will not be just an upgrade, but an investment in a cleaner and smarter future.
A look at the compressed air system