Energy is a major source of input for processing milk and milk products. On an average, energy cost constitutes about 30-35% of the over-all manufacturing cost showing the importance of energy needs for processing milk (Sadasivam, 1990). It has been reported that organized dairy plants in India process 16-17% of the total milk produced in about 1500 dairy plants that requires around 187 million kWh electricity. This expels around 425-700 million C02 annually into the atmosphere depending on the typeof fuels used for the generation of electricity (Bhadania et a/, 2010). Energy conservation approach in dairy plants can save a considerable amount of energy and cut down fuel bills significantly. It is an effective tool to maximize profit and is indispensible for the sustainability of dairy processing plant in this competitive era. It is also essential to protect the environment, ecology and reduce carbon footprints of the dairy industry. With technological advances, it is possible to reduce inputs interms of energy and cost on one hand and improvement in the quality of the product on the other. The energy saving technologies available also favour early return of the investment, improved plant efficiency and production capacity. Khilnani (2008) pointed out that 10-25% saving in fuel bills can be achieved by adoption of the right energy conservation technology. A sincere commitment from all levels of management is required for successful implementation of the energy saving program.
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