The system solar drying of beet pulp The energy efficiency system implemented by ACOR at its factory in Olmedo (Valladolid) has received approval from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, following independent verification by AENOR. With this project, the cooperative leads the national Energy Savings Certificate (CAE) system due to the proven savings achieved.
The action has reduced the use of natural gas and has allowed avoid 28.000 tons of CO2with energy savings of 155,9 GWh. Furthermore, the savings have been certified thanks to the support of Repsol, which reinforces the economic viability of the model.
How to dry pulp in the sun in Olmedo
The project replaces part of the thermal drying process with a system that takes advantage of the wind and solar radiation to remove moisture from the pulp before the final stages. The cooperative set up a large drying area at the plant to spread, aerate, and control the humidity without interrupting sugar production.
To align the process with the weather, the pulp is temporarily stored in large tubes (silage) until the weather is favorable; it is then spread out on the drying "beach" and its moisture content is reduced. By reaching a lower target level, the subsequent phase requires less energy, thus decreasing the gas consumption associated.
Energy saving and Energy Saving Certificates (EACs)
The savings achieved reach 155,9GWhThe Ministry issued a favorable opinion for 155.972.050 CAE (Energy Efficiency Certificates) verified by AENOR. Each CAE is equivalent to 1 kilowatt-hour of final energy saved in a year, allowing for the measurement and valuation of efficiency improvements.
The volume achieved is equivalent to consumption annual emissions from households in the city of Soria have been avoided by 28.000 tons of CO2. These certificates can be monetized on the market; in this case, Repsol's CAE Office provided comprehensive advice and acquired the generated rights.
Public-private collaboration and verification
The project was presented at the Olmedo factory during an institutional visit, highlighting its status as the greater savings performance energy sector of Castile and León. Administrative support and technical verification provide regulatory certainty and credibility to the results.
The cooperative emphasizes that the Energy Efficiency It increases competitiveness and allows for reinvestment in productivity improvements and stable employment in rural areas. Repsol, for its part, believes that actions of this kind accelerate the industrial transformation towards models with a smaller carbon footprint.
Origin and next steps
The initiative gained momentum after the rise in gas prices caused by the ukrainian war In 2022, ACOR revived the traditional idea of ​​drying in the sun and air, adapted it to the industrial environment, and integrated it as a preliminary step to reduce the energy demand of the final process.
With the results in hand, the cooperative and its technical partner are working on new actions savings and emission reduction aligned with the European framework. The objective is to consolidate leadership in efficiency and strengthen the resilience of the agri-food sector without losing sight of competitiveness.
With 155,9 GWh of savings and 28.000 tons of CO2 avoided, the solar drying of pulp in Olmedo ACOR is positioned as a benchmark in efficiency in the agri-food industry, combining institutional recognition, independent verification and economic return through the CAE.
