Notwithstanding the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 was a successful year and continued to contribute and particularly promising in terms of green growth for GEFF in Armenia. Bearing in mind the three years of our activities to date, the following key results were achieved:
Although all the green investment projects carried out have − without exception − contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas and have achieved a minimum of at least 20% energy efficiency, it is worth sharing some of the most noteworthy projects with our stakeholder community while summing up the year.
The project with the most significant reduction of CO2 (381 t/year) was an investment in a ground-based PV plant in Artashat made by Karen ev Rafik LLC, which operates a local gas station. The investment is a further exemplary project in the field of renewable energy, especially in the area of solar energy, and is an efficient combination of new customised technical solutions and existing business operations. It goes without saying that the investment leads to a lower dependence on energy supply from external providers as well as to a significant reduction of electricity and operating costs. The environmentally friendly aspect of the investment will also enhance the company’s status.
Variant Group LLC, a poultry producer in the Ararat region, invested in a multifunctional completely automated layer cage system with feed loading and egg collection as well as a drinking system and a manure cleaning component, among others. Unlike the previous system, the new solution has a more efficient ventilation system with four speed-controlled rooftop fans allowing precise control of the ventilation rate, in addition to other features. Furthermore, the new system makes it possible to preserve the natural biorhythm of the birds. After the installation of the new cage layer system, the company will significantly increase its production capacity as well as the number of birds it keeps. The investment is a smart way to better interlink strategic objectives and operative implementation.
Within the context of Kataro LLC’s move to new premises in Ayntap in the Ararat region, the winery acquired an innovative wine production unit consisting of high-performance European winery equipment and bottling machines. The new unit is characterised by fairly low specific consumption resulting in energy expenses 41% lower than the market average. In addition, apart from increased reliability in production and improved working conditions, the investment has enabled the company to keep its local wine production running and, in this way, continue its long-term success story.
Bacon Product LLC, a leading meat products company, has made one of the most efficient investments by installing a new efficient refrigeration system made in Europe with an air-cooled condenser and air cooler-based compressor at its Arzni production site. It is worth noting that the company spent the lowest amount on each MWh of energy saved thus contributing to the overall efficiency of the investment per unit of energy savings. Apart from that, Bacon Product will meet the targets set with this investment and achieve the expected benefits: improving production safety, efficiency and product quality.
Another project considered one of the most efficient investments based on payback period is Daroink LLC’s high-performing rotating deck ovens made in Italy and with a payback period of only two years’ time. The new ovens allow more precise control of the baking process and enable the most optimal use of the steam generator. In addition to reducing baking time by 23%, the investment also makes it possible for the bakery to minimise maintenance costs. The purchase of the new equipment can be seen as an important step towards strengthening Daroink’s competitiveness and position in the local market.
Solar energy is free and abundant, which is why Artiki PHK LLC, a Shirak-based clothing company with a 70% share of women employees, invested in a rooftop PV plant to reduce its energy dependence and to take an important step towards achieving sustainability. The investment is efficient, has zero emissions, was installed quickly, has low noise, and requires only very little maintenance. Finally, and most importantly – it helps to slow global warming.
Each GEFF project makes a difference by enabling the companies making the investment to be role models for the partners in their sector as well as for the competition. Furthermore, the apparent energy savings make the country more sustainable and capable of tackling the challenges to be faced in the years to come.
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