Energy efficiency opportunities in the U.S. dairy processing industry

The U.S. dairy processing industry consumes around 1.5 billion worth of purchased fuels and electricity per year. Energy efficiency improvements are a critical way for plants to reduce these costs, lower emissions of energy-related pollutants, and reduce susceptibility to volatile energy prices. This article provides a concise review of key energy efficiency opportunities for steam systems, refrigeration systems, and key unit operations in the production of processed dairy products. Together, these end uses of energy account for the majority of thermal and electrical energy use in the U.S. dairy processing industry. A brief overview of energy use in the U.S. dairy industry is provided, followed by more detailed discussion of key energy efficiency opportunities with examples from plants in the U.S. and abroad. Information and case study data are drawn from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR for industry focus on dairy processing. This information is intended to help energy and plant managers in the U.S. dairy processing industry reduce energy consumption in a cost-effective manner while maintaining the quality of products manufactured. Further research on the economics of all measures-as well as on their applicability to different production practices-is needed to assess their cost effectiveness at individual plants.