12th of June
“FrieslandCampina Hellas” joins the natural gas distribution network in Patras
The Hellenic Gas Distribution Company Enaon EDA, a subsidiary of the Italgas Group Enaon, has signed the first contract for the connection of a big industrial consumer to the natural gas distribution network being developed in the region of Western Greece
This is the Nounou Standard factory of the dairy and infant food company “FrieslandCampina Hellas”, whose facilities are located in the industrial area of Patras, from where the construction of the gas network has started and will extend to the urban area of the city.
FrieslandCampina Hellas is active in the production, processing and packaging of milk, dairy products, baby food and other related products, as well as their marketing and distribution in Greece and abroad. The company employs 420 people and has an estimated annual consumption of around 20,000 MWh of natural gas at the Nounou Standard plant.
The use of natural gas will bring significant savings in the industry’s consumption and operating costs, as well as improving the production process. At the same time, the environmental benefits will be particularly significant. When burned, natural gas produces significantly less carbon dioxide than other conventional fuels, helping to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.
Mr Mr Vassilis Kyriakopoulos, Patras Plant Manager of FrieslandCampina Hellas, said: «The connection of the Nounou model plant in Patras, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, to the natural gas distribution network is crucial for our growth and for strengthening our competitiveness. The use of natural gas not only directly improves our environmental footprint, but also provides the basis for a future transition to carbon-free energy forms such as green hydrogen. Our 2050 strategy is also intertwined with the development and implementation of technologies that will enable us to achieve this goal, including innovative sustainable practices and the use of green hydrogen as a key means of transitioning to a fully sustainable and clean industrial process. For FrieslandCampina Hellas-NOYNOY, sustainability is not only a strategic priority, but also a practical demonstration of responsibility and environmental awareness, with the aim of creating a more sustainable future for all».
Ms Francesca Zanninotti, CEO of Enaon EDA, stressed on the occasion of the signing of the connection contract: <<«We welcome FrieslandCampina Hellas to the gas distribution network that Enaon EDA is developing in Western Greece. We are very pleased that one of the largest industries in Greece has chosen to use natural gas for its operations, an economical, efficient and environmentally friendly fuel that will be the “bridge” to the new energy era. The network that we are developing in the region has been designed to accommodate renewable gases such as biomethane and, in the future, hydrogen, thus contributing significantly to Greece’s energy transition efforts, based on both national and European targets». >>.
In the first phase, Patras Industrial Area will be supplied by a virtual interconnection with LNG station (Regasification Unit). The development of the gas distribution network in Patras, led by Enaon EDA, foresees an investment of 18 million euros. The project will be co-financed by Enaon EDA and funds from the Western Greece Operational Programme (NSRF 2014-2020) and the Public Investment Programme.
The contract covers the construction of a 120 km natural gas distribution network in the city of Patras, which will be supplied by cryogenic tanks and LNG regasification facilities to be built in the industrial area of Patras. The network will serve at least 5,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the first phase.
