European gourmet meat supplier Recla has upgraded the on-site power at its Italian facility with a new Capstone Green Energy C1000 Signature Series Microturbine.
Capstone Green Energy’s Italian distributor IBT Connecting Energies announced the new installation for Recla, which has been a microturbine customer since 2010. The new unit replaced an original C1000R microturbine installed 15 years ago at the plant.
Recla utilizes the microturbine as backup and microgrid-type power in the event of grid system outages.
“Once the C1000R was installed, Recla no longer suffered from blackouts or power failures,” said Ilario Vigani, CEO of IBT Connecting Energies. “Beyond reliable performance, the system recovers over 90% of the primary energy source, delivering significant energy savings.”
Capstone and Recla say the new system will provide combined heat and power (CHP) to the facility, delivering electricity and saturated steam for food processing duties. The efficiency of the upgrade could save up to 350,000 Euros (US$409K) in annual energy consumption expenses.
“Recla SPA continues to recognize the value that Capstone’s technology and services bring to their operations,” Vince Canino, president and CEO of Capstone Green Energy, said in a statement. “It’s a testament to the durability, efficiency, and user-friendly design of our systems, further supported by the strength and responsiveness of our global distributor network. Their decision to upgrade to the C1000S system is grounded in tangible business benefits.”
Capstone’s C1000 Series microturbines can generate about 1 MW of power each with a CHP efficiency rating of up to 90%. The C1000 unit can run from fuels as varied as pipeline natural gas, biofuels and liquid petroleum gas.
The food processing industry increasingly relies on microgrid, on-site and backup power to ensure safety and preservation methods. SmartParc has collaborated with Veolia on clean energy and efficiency technologies at its food manufacturing site in the United Kingdom, while companies such as Taylor Farms, Bimbo Bakeries and winery Domaine Carneros have embraced microgrids in the U.S.
The Recla family started producing its specialty meat products in the 1930s with a butcher’s shop in Val Venosta. The company now produces a host of gourmet versions of smoked salami, frankfurters, bacon and other cured meats.
