BRIT CHIP FACTORY INSTALLS WIND, CUTS COSTS

Enlightened self-interest at work, and more than just the intent to cut energy costs. Check the last paragraph, where it is mentioned that the plant is only a little above sea level and the owners hope to keep it that way.

Green investment cuts firm’s energy bills in half
August 20, 2007 (Peterborough Today via The Evening Telegraph)

WHO
McCain, makers of British chips (known in America as French fries or Freedom fries)

McCain Chips.

WHAT
McCain’s will invest 10 million pounds ($20 million) to install 3 wind turbines to power its largest factory, in anticipation of cutting its energy bill 60%.

WHEN
Turbines expected to be running by November 2007.

WHERE
- The turbines will be installed at the Whittlesey plant, near Peterborough.
- McCain’s is part of Canada’s McCain Foods Group, the world’s largest maker of fries.

WHY
- The turbines will be 80 meters high and capable of supplying full plant power at times of high wind. They will supply 60% overall. Unused power will be sent to the national grid.
- Added benefits include emissions reductions and protection from future energy price rises.
- The Whittlesey plant also has a combined cycle heat/power biogas generator and a waste water treatment plant.
- It uses only UK potatoes and purchases from the nearest suppliers to reduce shipping emissions and energy consumption.
- All improvements have beenmade in consultation with local and environmental groups.

British wind installations. The McCain Whittlesey site is in the southeast, near three others along the coast, northeast of London. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Bill Bartlett, corporate affairs director: “We are particularly proud to be the first major food manufacturer to use alternative energy on this scale. More significantly, this demonstrates that a large-scale manufacturing plant can operate efficiently while significantly reducing its carbon footprint.”
- Bartlett: “Innovation is at the core of our company and we are proud of our commitment to improving the environmental impact of our preparation processes. Whittlesey…is only a few metres above sea level and we hope that by introducing wind turbines, McCain…can help to try and keep it that way…”