Eroski sets first European supermarket with energy self-supply technology

Eroski

A Eroski supermarket will become the first in Europe to supply itself with energy, without energy consumption from the grid, the Basque company announced today. The project, which has been launched this July, will run for three years and seeks to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of self-supplying the energy power needed for a 2,000 square metre supermarket with renewable energy sources.

Besides the implementation of energy saving measures, Eroski plans to install a system capable of supplying the need for cool air, heat and electricity from biomass.

The idea is led by Eroski, CENER as a specialized technology centre , Apina (absorption systems), Rank (cogeneration cycles) and GIRASOLAR (biomass boilers), in addition to management support by Zabala Innovation Consulting.

Eroski said it already has a “pilot scheme to improve energy efficiency in its stores, as for instance the experience developed in the local supermarket in Gipuzkoa of Oñate, which has implemented a series of measures and systems to reduce consumption energy, with the ultimate goal of zero CO2 emissions and reducing energy consumption by 65% ​​compared to a traditional supermarket.”

In a traditional supermarket, about 70% of the energy is used in the production of freezing and cold temperatures by electric compressors. The project starts now is called Lifezerostore, and will develop an ammonia absorption system capable of producing the levels required for refrigerated storage, frozen sections and exhibitors, plus an ORC (Organic Cycle Rankine) that generates electricity from the heat of an integrated biomass boiler.

Lifezerostore has a budget of €1,924,700. The proposal is supported by the European Commission and will ultimately be financed through LIFE-2012 for innovative projects in the area of ​​environment.

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