With support from Efficiency Manitoba, the J.R. Simplot Company (Simplot) has completed an energy-efficient expansion to their potato processing facility in Portage la Prairie, which will deliver significant energy and utility bill savings while more than doubling potato processing capacity.
The 400,000 square foot expansion included the design and implementation of several energy efficiency enhancements to the building expansion, production, and operations equipment, establishing this as one of the most energy-efficient facilities of its kind in the world.
These improvements yield estimated annual electricity savings of 20.5 GWh (gigawatt-hours) and natural gas savings of 5.7 million m3 (cubic metres), In addition, the natural gas savings result in greenhouse gas emission reductions of close to 11,000 tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) each year. A heat recovery system, consisting of a series of heat exchangers, removes heat from the fryer exhaust to preheat process hot water and incoming fresh air.
Simplot’s final energy model confirmed their expansion exceeded the minimum energy efficiency requirements of the Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings by 14.5%, which reduces the building’s operating costs by $270,000 annually. Efficiency Manitoba provided Simplot with technical support throughout the duration of the project, as well as $2.9 million in incentives for successfully completing these energy-efficiency enhancements.
“Our incentives and technical expertise illustrate our commitment to achieving long-term cost-effective energy savings,” said Colleen Kuruluk, Chief Executive Officer of Efficiency Manitoba. “Our work with Simplot also allowed us to collaborate with other energy efficiency industry professionals ranging from project engineers, building modelers, and contractors. These types of projects provide opportunities for the energy efficiency industry and support green job creation in Manitoba.”
Efficiency Manitoba’s New Buildings Program and Custom Energy Solutions Program are designed to help Manitoba businesses make energy efficiency upgrades and enhancements to their buildings and operations. By offering financial incentives, energy modelling services, and technical consultation, these programs encourage businesses to incorporate energy efficiency into their project.
