Norwegian agricultural cooperative saves millions with innovative heat pump technology

Norwegian agricultural cooperative Felleskjøpet has achieved significant energy savings and improved feed quality through a groundbreaking heat pump system. This project, launched in July 2026 in Trondheim, showcases collaboration among SINTEF, a leading applied research organization, and the renewable energy company Aneo. Together, they have transformed theoretical energy recovery concepts into a practical application, resulting in substantial financial benefits for local farmers.

Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency in Agriculture

The new heat pump system at Felleskjøpet is designed to recover waste heat from the production process, significantly reducing electricity usage. This innovative approach not only conserves energy but also enhances the nutritional quality of livestock feed. The facility, which produces approximately 200,000 tons of animal feed annually, is now equipped with a heat pump that rivals the size of those used in industrial applications.

According to Vebjørn Nilsen, technical manager at Felleskjøpet, the system operates with exceptional precision. The feed production process is tightly controlled, ensuring that the temperature of the mixture remains within a 1-degree variance to prevent nutrient loss and bacterial contamination. This meticulous approach highlights the sophistication of the technology involved.

Historic Innovations in Heat Pump Technology

The roots of this project trace back to the 1980s, when SINTEF and NTNU began developing heat pump technologies using natural refrigerants. Ole Marius Moen, a research scientist at SINTEF Energy, emphasizes the importance of this early decision, which has positioned Trondheim as a global leader in refrigeration technology. The successful implementation at Felleskjøpet is a testament to decades of research and innovation.

As noted by Michael Bantle, general manager of Aneo Industry, the project also represents a significant shift in industry practices. "No one in the industry has done this before," he states, underscoring the uniqueness of combining heat recovery systems on such a large scale.

Benefits Beyond Energy Savings

While the primary goal of the project was energy efficiency, it has also led to unexpected improvements in feed quality. The heat pump allows for precise temperature control during the production process, which has resulted in better nutrient retention and overall product quality. Nilsen explains, "This started out as an energy project and then also became a quality project."

The system has also addressed the issue of waste heat, which previously escaped into the atmosphere. By redirecting this steam back into the production process, Felleskjøpet has minimized energy loss and maximized efficiency. This innovative solution demonstrates the potential for sustainable practices in agricultural production.

• Energy Savings: Significant reduction in electricity usage
• Feed Quality: Improved nutritional content and safety
• Historical Context: Development of heat pump technology since the 1980s