SunOpta completes energy recovery project

CHELMSFORD, Mass.

SunOpta announced the completion of an energy recovery project with the installation of  a state-of-the-art biogas recovery system at  its Cambridge, Minn., oat fiber facility. SunOptas new biogas system captures methane gas produced by the facilitys waste treatment system. The collected methane is filtered, compressed and conditioned, which converts it to pipeline-quality natural gas. This gas is then used to power a boiler that supports the hot water and heating needs of the facility. Prior to the installation of SunOptas new system, biogas was released into the atmosphere.

We reduced the amount of natural gas used in the plant by 40%, which is equivalent to 1,755 tons of carbon dioxide not being released into the environment per year," stated Ricardo Lira, director of engineering.

This project is one aspect of an overarching effort by SunOpta to track its greenhouse gas emissions at each facility (74 facilities worldwide) and establish company-wide energy conservation programs.

This is a very exciting project for the company as it is aligned with our commitment to the environment and our sustainability objectives. Implementing this system into our operations will allow us to utilize a byproduct of our waste stream to reduce our dependence on natural gas. We are pleased with the deliverables of the project and will continue to look for ways to leverage the system," said Doug Shreves, president of SunOpta Ingredients Group.