Generating solar energy to enhance potato processing efficiency
FUNFRIES is a Moroccan agro-industrial company specialized in the production and processing of potatoes into frozen pre-fried French fries. Leveraging modern infrastructure and strong industrial expertise, the company manages the entire value chain, from raw material selection to final product packaging, ensuring consistent quality and operational performance.
Located in the Skhirate industrial zone, the company operates a state-of-the-art production facility with an annual capacity of up to 15,000 tons. The processing line is capable of handling up to 4.2 tons of potatoes per hour. The main sources of energy consumption at the site are industrial fryers and refrigeration and freezing systems, which rely heavily on electricity.
In a context of rising energy costs and increasing environmental requirements, FUNFRIES sought to improve its energy performance and reduce its carbon footprint. With an annual electricity consumption exceeding 4.1 GWh, energy represented a significant operational cost and a key area for efficiency improvements.
To address these challenges, the company invested in the installation of a 572 kWp solar photovoltaic power plant, integrated into the industrial site and designed for self-consumption. The system supplies electricity directly to the plant’s internal network, without injecting power into the public grid, in compliance with applicable regulations.
The solar installation includes monocrystalline photovoltaic panels, inverters, mounting structures, DC/AC protection systems, an injection limitation device, and a remote monitoring system, ensuring safe, reliable, and optimized performance.
The system generates an estimated 875,351 kWh of electricity annually, covering approximately 21% of the site’s total electricity consumption and more than 46% during peak demand hours. This significantly reduces reliance on grid electricity and improves energy cost management.
The project has resulted in an annual reduction of 875.35 MWh in electricity drawn from the grid, delivering substantial energy savings. It also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 445.7 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year, strengthening the environmental performance of the facility.
Through this investment, FUNFRIES demonstrates how agro-industrial companies can integrate renewable energy solutions to enhance competitiveness, improve resilience to energy price volatility, and reduce environmental impact. The project serves as a practical and replicable example of solar integration in energy-intensive industries.
Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) in Morocco is a green economy financing program, implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will provide financing to Moroccan private enterprises through local financial institution partners. Supported by the European Union (EU), the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It will enable local companies to invest in green technologies, reduce their costs through climate adaptation measures, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
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