October 25, 2004—Penford Products, Inc. is working with Alliant Energy – Interstate Power and Light Company to develop energy cost-saving strategies through a new efficiency-improvement program called SynergyPlus.
Penford uses large amounts of natural gas and electricity to produce the modified starches it sells all over the world. “We spend millions of dollars on energy each year. It is one of our most significant operating costs,” said John Foubert, senior process engineer at Penford. “With natural gas prices rising, we’re very interested in eliminating waste in our system and reducing our energy consumption. These things translate into a favorable return on our investment.”
SynergyPlus includes two assessment phases—preliminary and comprehensive. Engineers and consultants from Alliant Energy, along with malt-industry specialists and representatives from the Iowa Energy Center and Penford, will begin a preliminary energy assessment at Penford’s facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Monday, Oct. 25, 2004.
During the preliminary assessment, the group will audit energy usage and evaluate processes within Penford’s Cedar Rapids facility. They will then identify specific strategies Penford can use to: improve productivity by applying appropriate state-of-the-art technology and management practices; implement enhanced waste reduction projects; and improve overall energy efficiency.
The first phase of SynergyPlus, or preliminary assessment, is offered at no charge to selected companies and requires only a time commitment and genuine desire to identify and implement energy cost-saving measures.
The second phase, or comprehensive assessment, is optional based on the results and recommendations of the preliminary assessment. It is a more in-depth assessment and entails a shared financial commitment by the company and Alliant Energy. If recommended energy-saving projects are implemented following phase two, the company will be reimbursed its portion of the comprehensive assessment cost and may also qualify for additional energy- related incentives and rebates.
Penford is one of three companies that will pilot SynergyPlus in 2004. If the pilot programs achieve their intended goals, the program will be launched to a broader base of Alliant Energy customers within 24 months. SynergyPlus is designed specifically for small to mid-sized manufacturing firms.
For more information, contact Alliant Energy.
