A substantial investment in solar energy production by Icelandic fishing gear producer Hampiðjan at two sites in Lithuania is expected to meet virtually all of the power requirement of Vónin Lithuania and around 20% of Hampiðjan Baltic’s needs.
The two facilities are close to each other in the city of Šiauliai, Lithuania and have a combined roof area of approximately 31,500 square metres.
Vónin Lithuania is primarily a net loft, producing fishing gear and fish-farming pens. Most of this work is completed by hand, and equipment used is limited to sewing machines, blocks and drums used to move gear and during assembly. As a result, the new solar panels are expected to largely meet the company’s energy needs.
It’s a different situation at Hampiðjan Baltic, with its energy-intensive round-the-clock production of yarns, ropes and nets. Here the solar installation is predicted to meet approximately 15% of the electricity demand and to save around €135,000 annually.
The project is supported by the Lithuanian government, including funding from the European Union, as part of a broad EU initiative to reduce energy consumption across the continent. Hampiðjan’s investment in solar energy is expected to pay off within three years.
About four years ago, Hampiðjan Baltic and Vónin Lithuania took advantage of a similar scheme to switch to LED lighting. This investment has already paid for itself, leading to lower electricity consumption, with the additional benefit of improved, higher-quality lighting in work areas.
