Fonterra has commissioned its first electrode boiler at its Edendale site in Southland, marking a step away from coal use.
The dairy giant has also committed NZ$70 million (A$65 million) to install two additional electrode boilers, as part of its broader transition to renewable energy.
Fonterra COO Anna Palairet said securing a reliable energy supply is critical to the resilience of the company’s operations.
“Investing in renewable energy solutions, such as electrode boilers, will help ensure we can continue to process milk efficiently now and in the future,” she added. “This investment will help future-proof Edendale for years to come.”
The new electrode boilers are set to replace two existing coal-fired boilers, providing renewable energy to support milk processing and future growth, particularly with the development of a new UHT plant currently underway.
Andrew Johns, GM for operations, Lower South Island, Fonterra, expressed enthusiasm about the developments at Edendale.
“The investment is also great news for the local economy,” he continued. “Where possible, we will be engaging with local contractors, and we expect more than 400 people from Southland and wider New Zealand to be part of the team on site delivering this investment.”
The project will be co-funded through a partnership with the government organisation Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
Construction of the new boilers is scheduled for this year, with operational commencement expected by August 2027.
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