Via FrieslandCampina, dairy farmers can receive support from Essent to set up local initiatives for the production of green energy. Via Essent, FrieslandCampina will buy what are referred to as green certificates from its own dairy farmers.
This initiative will allow the dairy farmers, Essent and FrieslandCampina to take an important step towards renewable energy and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases in the dairy chain. Dozens of dairy farmers have already expressed an interest in the production and supply of solar, wind or biomass (manure fermentation) energy.
Essent and FrieslandCampina announced their collaboration at a presentation held at the dairy farm, Borgman-Roeterdink in Vierakker (eastern Netherlands). This company produces and even stores its own energy.
From January 2011, it will be supplying energy back to the grid via Essent. The new agreement between Essent and FrieslandCampina means that FrieslandCampina member dairy farmers who are interested in producing green energy can establish a contact with Essent via FrieslandCampina. This is called the EnergieContactPunt (Energy Contact Point).
Essent specialists will support the dairy farmers with solar energy, wind energy and biogas production projects. If a project is realised, the dairy farmers can supply the energy to the grid via Essent. The dairy farmers are paid the energy price (per kWh or m3), plus an amount for green certificates (guarantees of origin). Under the rules, dairy farmers receive these green certificates because they produce green energy.
Based on its long-term renewable energy planning, FrieslandCampina guarantees the purchase of green certificates from its own members at a competitive price. FrieslandCampina uses the green certificates to achieve more sustainable energy consumption at its own production companies.
Part of the agreement is that FrieslandCampina and Essent will both work hard to look for fresh opportunities for new forms of energy-saving or for achieving more sustainable energy consumption, from the farm gate to product delivery.
The agreement formally starts now, but together with Essent, FrieslandCampina has been supporting dairy farmers who want to play an active role in the production of green energy since the beginning of this year. Dozens of dairy farmers are currently looking into the possibilities or are involved in specific projects, from solar panels to wind turbines and biogas plants.
Source: FrieslandCampina
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