Determinants of Energy Consumption in the Dairy Industry: A Case Study in Poland

The correlations between two groups of factors and energy consumption were analysed in four types of dairy plants with different production profiles. Groups of dairy plants with a similar production profile, as well as individual plants, were compared. Energy consumption was most strongly correlated with technical equipment (r = 0.88 – 0.99); this observation can be used by designers to promote better energy conservation measures during plant operation. Energy consumption was highest in plants producing milk powder. Plants specializing in milk powder may also produce up to 8 other dairy products; however, engineering and production factors can significantly contribute to reducing energy consumption, which suggests that energy is being consumed for non-production purposes at these plants.

The variation in energy consumption per unit of end-product was best-explained in small dairy plants producing up to 4 products. In analyses of individual plants, energy consumption per unit of end-product was strongly correlated with both the milk-processing output and the production profile. The equations developed in this study, in particular the regression coefficients, can be used to generate additional information for detailed analyses. The structure and level of detail of the independent variables also means that the presented equations can be applied to reducing power consumption of the operated equipment, and for optimizing overall production profiles.

The results of the study can be used to model energy consumption in different types of dairy plants and to evaluate their environmental performance. The international literature was reviewed, and the results of research studies analysing the correlations between energy consumption in dairy plants and their environmental impact were cited in the paper.