Lesaffre, a global leader in fermentation, has inaugurated a fatal heat recovery unit at its largest yeast plant in Marcq-en-Barœul. In partnership with ENGIE Solutions, the company is embarking on a 15-year project which includes the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the unit. Two heat pumps will enable the reuse of heat generated by the plant fermentation process, covering 70% of heating needs, preventing 30,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, and saving 150,000 cubic meters of water.

With a total capacity of 19 MWth, the energy recovered by the two heat pumps will be used to power drying, a key stage in the yeast production process.

According to a statement released by the company on 7 October, Lesaffre is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and to significantly reducing its water consumption. Said Frank Lacroix, ENGIE Deputy CEO, “The collaborative work between the ENGIE Solutions and Lesaffre teams has made it possible to bring a virtuous project to reality: guaranteeing a competitive energy supply while significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Fatal heat is a considerable resource, and its exploitation is of strategic importance for both sovereignty and energy efficiency.”

This project is part of a series of initiatives undertaken by Lesaffre over several years, including a biomass plant at the LIS by Lesaffre site in Cérences (Normandy), photovoltaic panels in the Czech Republic, and the signing in 2023 and 2024 of direct purchase of renewable electricity (CPPA) to supply renewable energy to production sites in France.

The initiative is the winner of ADEME’s call for projects for the decarbonisation of industry and has received €5.6 million in subsidies.