Description
The objective of the project is to reduce the use of energy in farms from fossil fuel and to change to use of energy from renewable sources. These sources will provide hot water for washing and cleaning in milk production which will also contribute to improving the quality of the milk produced by Bulgarian small and medium sized dairy farms. The total electricity consumption of the farms will be decreased significantly. The project will also contribute to raise awareness on green issues (promotion of RES use) among farmers. The installations will be set in three farms with dairy cows, located in Central Bulgaria – north and south of the Balkan Mountain in view of an easy access of other farmers and students. The objective is to select family farms with 40-60 dairy cows, producing milk all year round and consuming large quantities of warm water. The farms will be selected via open competition by the project team, consisting of representatives from the three partners on the basis of pre-set criteria. The good practices in using energy from RES will be presented at national exhibitions, through the media, for students and at open farm days. Increased competence in Bulgaria in the use of RES is expected.
Summary of project results
The specific aim of the project “Energy efficiency and better milk quality for Bulgarian dairy farms” was to increase the information and the knowledge level on the energy out of renewable energy sources Project outputs are: - All three pilot farms are equipped with well-functioning Renewable Energy Systems installation, producing 350 - 500 l. of hot water daily. No shortage of hot water for cleaning of milking equipment in the farms after the installation of the new equipment. - Electricity consumption for heating water in the farm will decrease by 30 % ( the energy production in the 3 pilot farms is totaling of 35’185 kWh/year.) - 182 farmers and 142 students familiar with the good practices and economic benefits from using renewable energy sources in farms - 22’000 visitors became familiar with the opportunities provided by RES to the farms - The total amounts of saved emissions in the three farms per year are: - CO2: 41,7 t. ; - NOx: 79 kg. The project outputs have contributed to the increased quality of the milk and better living condition for the farmers' families. The project has been awarded with a golden plate from the Innovation Contest at AGRA 2015, the International Agricultural Exhibition in Plovdiv (Southern Bulgaria).
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership between the Norwegian partner Norges Vel and Bioselena dates back to 2009 and this is the second project of the successful cooperation between the two organizations. The Norwegian partner was actively involved during the whole project implementation. Norges Vel has brought to the project its knowledge and experience in energy efficiency. The expertise of Norges Vel was a crucial factor for the selection of equipment to the 3 pilot farms. The Bulgarian Project Partner –Trakia University, Stara Zagora is a leading education and expert institution in livestock-breeding. The university experts were actively involved in the estimation and selection of the pilot plants and the technical parameters of the investment in each of them.