LIS by Lesaffre, a leading provider of drying services for ingredient producers, and Idex, a key player in the decarbonization of industries, inaugurate a biomass steam production plant in Cérences (Manche – France).
Thanks to this installation, the share of renewable heat in the energy mix of LIS by Lesaffre‘s French plant will increase significantly. The decarbonization of the drying process means that LIS customers can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of their own ingredients, thanks to the wide range of drying technologies that are now 85% decarbonized.
« This new facility is both a concrete response to our customers’ desire to benefit from low carbon drying technologies, and an illustration of an approach initiated several years ago by LIS to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. We’re doing it here today in Cérences, and we’re working to do it tomorrow at our industrial site in Poland”, says Franck Auger, General Manager of LIS by Lesaffre.
A partnership in line with Lesaffre’s commitment
Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050, Lesaffre has determined its decarbonization trajectory based on action levers adapted to the nature of its activities: improving energy efficiency, deploying electrification, valorizing biomass and co-products, optimizing the use of biogas, developing renewable energies…
Projects underway include the signature of two CPPAs1, the installation of a wind turbine at the Algist Bruggeman site in Belgium, and the installation of a waste heat recovery unit at the Lesaffre site in Marcq-en-Barœul. As part of this drive to decarbonize its production sites, the Group is currently considering a number of other investments in renewable energies.
“For several years now, Lesaffre has been stepping up its actions in France to achieve its objectives of reducing its carbon footprint across its entire value chain. This acceleration demonstrates our determination to reduce our carbon footprint and energy consumption. The notion of sustainable, profitable and responsible growth is anchored in our identity and marked in the Group’s mission: to work together to better nourish and protect the planet“, analyses Brice-Audren Riché, Lesaffre CEO.
Idex, a partner of choice in the decarbonization process
For this project, launched in 2021, LIS by Lesaffre has chosen to work with Idex, renowned for its know-how and expertise. Idex has been entrusted with the design, financing, construction and operation of the steam production plant for a 15-year period. Scheduled for commissioning in February 2024, the new biomass plant will help avoid the emission of 13,500 tonnes of CO2 per year, while keeping steam production costs under control and reducing the site’s dependence on fossil fuels.
“This project is a clear example of Idex’s ability to offer turnkey decarbonization solutions to energy-intensive players in the food industry,” says Benjamin Fremaux, Idex CEO.
Located in Cérences near Granville, the 12 t/h (8 MW) biomass boiler plant, custom-designed by Idex, will produce more than 110,000 tonnes of carbon-free steam per year, equivalent to 77,000 MWh. 85% of this steam supply will be provided by biomass, with gas retained for back-up. The boiler plant will be fuelled 70% by forestry chips harvested less than 150 km from the industrial site, and 30% by end-of-life wood packaging waste.
The project is in line with France’s industrial decarbonization objectives. Supported by Ademe as part of the BCIAT (Biomass Heat Industry Agriculture and Tertiary) call for projects, it has received additional investment from Idex Group.
1Corporate Power Purchass Agreement