Aviko Advances Factory Electrification with E-Boiler Installation in Lomm Supporting Net Zero Goals

Dutch potato processor Aviko has reached another major milestone in its sustainability journey with the successful installation of a new fully electric e-boiler at its production facility in Lomm on July 9. The project marks an important step in the company's factory electrification program and reinforces its long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions through cleaner energy. 

The installation represents a key phase of a broader project that will significantly improve the sustainability of steam generation at the Lomm plant. Over the coming months, Aviko will complete the installation, electrical connections, testing, and commissioning of the e-boiler before it becomes fully operational.

E-Boiler to Reduce Natural Gas Use and CO₂ Emissions

Once commissioned, the electric boiler will replace part of the site's existing natural gas-based steam production. Powered entirely by 100% renewable electricity, the system is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 4,800 tonnes annually, making it one of Aviko's most significant investments in low-carbon manufacturing.

The project forms part of Aviko's wider strategy to electrify production processes and reduce dependence on fossil fuels while supporting a more sustainable energy supply across its operations.

Major Infrastructure Expansion Supports Electrification

Installing the e-boiler required more than simply replacing existing equipment. To supply sufficient electricity, Aviko launched a major expansion of the site's electrical infrastructure. 

Construction began with the installation of a new high-voltage power cable from the California substation in the municipality of Horst aan de Maas to the Lomm factory. The project also includes a new electricity distribution station on the production site to provide the capacity needed for electrified operations.

Close-up of the e-boiler suspended by the crane during installation. Caption: A heavy-lift crane positions Aviko's new fully electric e-boiler at the Lomm production facility, where the renewable electricity-powered system will replace part of the site's natural gas-based steam generation.

According to Aviko, the infrastructure work is progressing alongside the engineering of the e-boiler and associated production systems, as well as structural modifications throughout the factory. The company expects installation to be completed during the third quarter of 2026, with commissioning scheduled for late 2026 following extensive testing.

Collaboration Enables Sustainable Industrial Growth

Aviko emphasized that close cooperation with regional authorities and energy partners has been essential to the project's success. 

The company worked closely with grid operator Enexis, the Municipality of Venlo, and the Province of Limburg to obtain the necessary permits and secure additional electrical capacity despite increasing pressure on the Dutch electricity grid. 

Marlies Meijer-Willems, Environmental & Sustainability Advisor at Aviko, said the project demonstrates how partnerships are helping transform industrial sustainability ambitions into practical results.

Marlies Meijer-Willems, Environmental & Sustainability Advisor at Aviko:

"This project is a great example of how we are building an energy-efficient and climate-friendly production environment together with our partners. By combining knowledge, expertise and capacity with governments and grid operators, we are taking steps that would not otherwise be possible."

Niek Besselink, Lead Engineer at Aviko Lomm:

"The construction of the infrastructure and the new high-voltage cable is in full swing. At the same time, we are further developing the engineering of the e-boiler and the other installations and making the necessary structural adjustments."

Part of Aviko's Broader Electrification Strategy

The Lomm investment is part of Aviko's wider factory electrification program and aligns with the company's Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated climate commitments. Rather than being a standalone project, the e-boiler forms part of a broader effort to make energy supply more sustainable across multiple Aviko production sites. 

Earlier, Aviko announced a major electrification project at its Steenderen production facility in the Netherlands, developed in cooperation with grid operator Liander to support the company’s Unlock 30 roadmap and reduce fossil fuel dependence while building a more future-proof potato value chain, as detailed in the company’s announcement, Aviko Launches Electrification Project at Steenderen Factory to Advance Sustainability Goals.

According to Aviko's Sustainability Report 2025, the company already operates using 100% renewable electricity across its global operations and continues investing in electrification, energy-efficient production systems, heat recovery technologies, and circular resource management. These initiatives support Aviko's goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 while achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 

With the Lomm e-boiler installation now entering its final implementation phase, Aviko continues to accelerate the transition toward lower-carbon potato processing and more sustainable food production across its manufacturing network.