Nestlé , through Bioenergy Ibérica , a company specialized in the construction of renewable energy projects and waste management, has increased the steam production capacity of the biomass boiler located in its chocolate factory located in La Penilla de Cayón (Cantabria) , in operation since 2022.
This expansion will allow steam to be generated through both the use of cocoa husks obtained in the roasting process of this raw material and the use of wood chips with certification of origin . In this way, the facility increases its capacity by between 30 and 40% .
With this expansion, the biomass boiler at the Nestlé plant in La Penilla de Cayón will reduce annual net emissions of CO2 equivalent by a total of 2,850 tons, allowing Nestlé to advance its commitment to achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse by 2050.
Promoting the circular economy
The biomass boiler in this factory uses the husk obtained in the cocoa roasting process as biofuel for the production of steam, which in turn becomes a source of energy for the roasting process itself. of this raw material. With this installation, Nestlé promotes the circular economy in its production processes .
Furthermore, the supplied chip complies with the currently existing applicable regulations, in particular the SURE Certificate, which guarantees its entire chain of traceability and sustainability for the production of thermal energy.
“We are committed to looking for energy solutions that provide local energy, and this biomass project is an extraordinary example ,” said José Luis Romero, Director of Operations at Bioenergy Ibérica . “Transforming the industry with projects like these allows us to achieve less dependence on fossil fuels, as well as achieving an economy and society free of net CO2 emissions ,” added Romero.
For its part, “Nestlé continues with its commitment to decarbonize its production processes. For years, the company has had biomass boilers in some of its factories. Thus, this installation joins the boiler located in the Girona coffee factory where the coffee grounds resulting from the production of soluble coffee are used to generate energy efficiently. All of this in a clear example of a circular economy ,” highlighted Jordi Aycart, head of Sustainability at Nestlé Spain .
Reference factory
Established in 1905, the Nestlé factory in La Penilla de Cayón was the company's first in Spain. Currently, the Cantabrian factory is one of the most important production centers of Nestlé Spain, dedicated to the production of Extrafine chocolate bars, desserts, Caja Roja chocolates, Nesquik soluble cocoa, children's cereals, products for Nescafé Dolce Gusto and wafers for dumplings. Buitoni.