Using the technical project developed by TEC Industry, UAB ‘NEO Group’, a PET producer operating within the Klaipėda Free Economic Zone (FEZ), has adopted a sustainable energy solution through the implementation of ORC technology at its facility. This technology enables the conversion of steam from the manufacturing process into electrical energy, lowering the dependence on external electricity supply.
The ORC solution, capable of producing approximately 3.8 million kWh of electricity each year, is being implemented within the existing production infrastructure. The project involves installing one organic Rankine cycle-based power generation unit in each of the two production blocks. In this type of unit, the turbine is driven by steam from organic liquids evaporating at relatively low temperatures, which is subsequently condensed in the turbine’s condenser. Organic liquids and their vapours circulate within a closed cycle.
The ORC system’s maximum theoretical capacity reaches 245 kWe. While ORC technology has been around for some time, its adoption remains limited owing to expensive and technically challenging installation. The technology is easier to implement during the design of new manufacturing lines, but in this case, it was integrated into an existing line—NEO Group claims to be the first company in Lithuania to achieve this.
The task of developing the technical working project was assigned to the TEC Industry team. The company developed three key parts: the technological section, focused on heat generation and conversion; the structural section; and the electrical engineering section. To ensure comprehensive project implementation, the automation design was taken over by the client and the project contractor, UAB Termolink. The company successfully designed the solutions in this area and integrated them into the overall project.
During the following stage, UAB Termolink organised the field tests related to connecting the equipment to the electrical grid and its integration with the ESO system, and prepared the necessary documentation. The work was overseen by the TEC Consulting team. After completing the necessary preparatory work on the production lines and electrical infrastructure, and installing both 250 kW ORC units, TEC Consulting successfully conducted the power plant’s field tests. The testing included the functioning and control of the ORC generators, their protective devices and interlocks, protection configurations, UAB NEO Group’s internal electrical network protections, and the signal exchange for control and management between the ORC generators and AB ESO.
This project is a prime example of collaboration between engineering companies with different skills to realise technologically complex and sustainable solutions. The partnership between TEC Industry, Termolink, and others enabled the successful completion of design and testing, ensuring a smooth integration of ORC technology into NEO Group’s manufacturing operations.
