Fish feed factory beats E.U. fluorescent ban by swapping LEDs into existing housing

Glamox AS, a prominent LED lighting vendor, is embarking on a transformative project at a Norwegian fish feed factory, leveraging Europe’s recent ban on health-hazardous fluorescent lighting. The initiative involves the replacement of approximately 1,000 fluorescent luminaires with more energy-efficient LED alternatives. Located in Valsneset on Norway’s west coast, the Mowi Feed plant is undergoing a significant overhaul to ensure compliance with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) directive, which prohibits the sale of fluorescent tubes due to concerns about mercury content.

By transitioning to LED lighting, Mowi Feed not only addresses regulatory requirements but also realizes substantial cost savings on its electricity bill. The installation of around 900 LED retrofit kits indoors, along with approximately 50 new outdoor LED lights, is projected to reduce electricity consumption by an impressive 60%. Despite the slightly lower energy savings compared to completely new LED products, the retrofit kits offer significant efficiency gains while promoting sustainability by repurposing existing fixtures and minimizing material waste.

Ragnar Meland, electrical supervisor at Mowi Feed, underscores the environmental benefits and ease of installation associated with the LED retrofit kits. These preassembled solutions are designed for seamless integration into existing fittings, facilitating a smooth transition to LED technology. The project encompasses various areas of the facility, including production facilities, warehouses, loading docks, and even a jetty with an LNG refueling station, underscoring the comprehensive scope of the initiative.

The phased implementation, initiated in 2022 and expected to conclude this June, reflects a strategic approach to minimizing disruption while maximizing the benefits of LED lighting. Beyond energy efficiency, the new LED fixtures offer additional advantages such as instant illumination, extended lifespan, and reduced maintenance costs. Equipped with motion sensors and mechanical timers, the lighting system enhances operational efficiency and contributes to a safer and more productive work environment.

Glamox’s involvement in the project underscores its commitment to delivering innovative lighting solutions tailored to the unique needs of commercial clients. With its Professional Building Solutions (PBS) group leading the charge, supported by contributions from the Marine, Offshore & Wind (MOW) group, Glamox demonstrates its expertise in addressing diverse lighting requirements across various industries. The success of the Mowi Feed project underscores the growing demand for energy-efficient, sustainable lighting solutions driven by regulatory compliance and operational cost savings.

About the Author: Mark Halper, a contributing editor for LEDs Magazine, is an esteemed energy, technology, and business journalist with a keen interest in the intersection of innovation and sustainability. You can reach him at markhalper@aol.com.