- Phase 1 of the project by Arla Foods would be a hybrid solution of 250kVA standard solar plus diesel, saving diesel costs of about €143,910.
- The project will also reduce carbon emissions by about 300 to 350 tonnes per year with a one-year payback period.
Arla Foods Nigeria, the producer of Dano milk, has unveiled a 4-year energy transition plan to build a solar power plant for its dairy farm in Damau, Kaduna State. The firm aims to generate up to 750KVA installed capacity with this farm by 2027. The Managing Director of Arla Foods Nigeria, Peder Pedersen, disclosed this during the opening session of the 2023 Nordic Nigeria Connect in Lagos themed “Innovation for a Greener Future”.
According to the MD, the energy transition plan aligns with the company’s sustainability strategy and vision to create the future of dairy that brings health and inspiration to the world. This includes taking actions that support a stronger planet, thereby improving the environment for future generations. He said that the farm has been operating on diesel generators since its inauguration in May 2023 due to no connectivity to the national grid.
Similarly, the Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs of Arla Foods, Akalaka Obazei, explained the company’s plan for implementing the solar power transition. Obazei stated that Phase 1 of the project would be a hybrid solution of 250kVA standard solar plus diesel. Consequently, it will lead to an annual diesel cost saving of about €143,910.
In addition, the project will also reduce carbon emissions (CO2e) by about 300 to 350 tonnes yearly with a one-year payback period. She further revealed that the firm expects power generation to grow to 550kVA installed capacity between 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, the firm plans to achieve the full potential of up to 750kVA by 2027 when the farm reaches full operation.