When producing omega-3 concentrates, all omega-3-fatty acids are preserved. In fish oil there is also a rather large amount of saturated fat which from a nutritional point of view, is not interesting for further production. Using distillation, these saturated fats are being separated from the process. The waste of fatty acids can be used as biodiesel and replace today’s fuel oil. The Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency has approved our replacement of fuel oil with self-produced biodiesel.
Biodiesel from fish oils is a renewable resource, and even though the emission of CO2 will be the same, it will be CO2 neutral in the cycle considering the accounting/final statement of greenhouse gasses.
GC Rieber Oils is expecting a reduction of fuel oil of approximately 25% in 2011. Our target is a 100% replacement of fuel oil.
The replacement of fuel oil started in September, and the experience so far is that the boilers are burning more cleanly and with less soot. Analysis shows that the emission of sulphur is anticipated to be reduced considerably compared to fuel oil from petroleum. In addition to being environmentally friendly, this is also a lucrative for the company.
A test project for burning other production waste is running simultaneously. The goal is to optimize the burning process so that it can be as environmentally friendly as possible.
