Mydibel’s Green Factory expands

Mydibel Group, manufacturer of fresh and deep frozen potato products and dried potato flakes and granules, has invested in the construction of 2 ha of photovoltaic panels, the largest industrial solar field in private hands in Wallonia, at its Gramybel production site in Mouscron, Belgium.

This production site, also in Mouscron, but in another industrial area than the Mydibel headquarters, is a specialized unit for the production of dehydrated potato products such as flakes and granules, the company announced. The products are sold as semi - finished and finished products. The applications for the product range are diverse: flakes and granules are used for the production of extruded chips, pellets, ready - mix instant mashed potatoes, noodles and even as a bread improver.

The solar field has a total power of 1 MegaWatt and produces green energy that equals 20 per cent of the total energy consumption of the Gramybel site. Mydibel has joined up for this with the specialist of renewable energy Upgrade Energy 4048 photovoltaic panels were installed at the Gramybel site. 400kg of grass seed will ensure a beautiful lawn which then can be perfectly maintained by grazing sheep.

The solar energy will also be spread to the Mydibel production site where 500 KWc of photovoltaic panels will be installed by the end of June 2015. Here the photovoltaic panels will be placed on the rooftops of the production buildings (250KWC) and the new potato grading area (250KWc).

“The current biogas installation at the Mydibel site produces 25 per cent of our electricity and 5 per cent of our heat”, said Carlo Mylle.

"Our latest investment in a new cogeneration unit – the largest in the potato processing industry, that will complement our biogas engine and photovoltaic panels will make us self – sufficient in electricity (100 per cent) and will make us produce 20 per cent of our heat with green energy, which also results in 40 per cent less energy use per kg packed product. This signifies a great leap forward in the quest to becoming energy neutral.”

“The four elements of nature keep inspiring and motivating Mydibel to continue to build and expand the Mydibel Green Factory. Earth, Fire, Water and Air are renewable sources that can be perfectly integrated in our industrial processes. Like the Earth giving us the gift of potatoes, and also their residue for fuelling our biogas installation, we now also use the fire of the sun to provide us with green energy”, said Carlo Mylle, CEO of the Mydibel Group.