Lantmännen Unibake Danmark
For industries that rely on a steady energy supply, disruptions can have serious consequences. One way to safeguard operations is with Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) – a practical backup solution that ensures uninterrupted production.
In the past few years, the natural gas market has been unpredictable, with supply and prices going up and down. Changes in demand, infrastructure challenges, and market shifts have made it harder for businesses to plan ahead. Many have struggled with rising costs and securing reliable supplies. As a result, many companies are looking at other energy sources and finding new ways to manage their energy use.
This is where SNG comes into the equation. SNG is a mix of LPG and air, designed to mimic natural gas combustion. This means existing equipment—burners, pipes, and valves—can be used without major modifications. A simple setup consisting of an LPG tank, vaporizers, and a mixing system is all it takes to safeguard your operations and secure a reliable energy source.
And for businesses like Lantmännen Unibake in Holstebro, Denmark, consistent energy is vital. If the ovens stop, so does the production, leaving a gap with customers who depend on their baked goods.
Faced with this growing uncertainty in the natural gas market, the company took a proactive step by investing in a SNG facility:
Our bakery in Holstebro, Denmark, produces thousands of kilos of bread each year. We know how important it is to provide this essential product to many consumers who rely on our production. To ensure our deliveries remain consistent and reliable, we invested in an SNG system.
And this is where MAKEEN Gas Equipment Denmark came into the picture with valuable knowhow and insight from integration of SNG systems in Denmark and Sweden. In cooperation with our partners, we supported Lantmännen in this new investment by supplying the components for the SNG system in Holstebro – and later for another bakery in Avedøre. With our One-Stop Shop concept, we provided all the required equipment from initial installation to the final commissioning.
A flexible back-up solution
Their decision to implement an SNG solution was driven by two key factors: supply security and cost stability. At the time of investment, the price of natural gas fluctuated significantly, making it difficult to predict operational expenses. “Our current system uses natural gas. However, during shortages, we risk being disconnected from the gas grid to prioritise critical infrastructure. With SNG as our backup energy source, we can maintain reliable operations by seamlessly switching our energy source”, Martin says.
Lantmännen Unibake operates bakeries worldwide, all of which have backup energy solutions in place. Some use LPG, while others, like the facility in Holstebro, rely on SNG. The investment came in response to the growing uncertainty surrounding energy supply and the company’s need for a reliable alternative.
Building with no blueprint
Installing the SNG facility in Holstebro was a complex process involving multiple stakeholders, including local and national authorities. With no blueprint for a system like this, both engineering and installation had to be adjusted as they went. “This has been a valuable learning experience for both the organisation and me,” says Martin.
While the SNG system has not yet been needed, it is tested 1-2 times a year to ensure full operational readiness. While Lantmännen Unibake hopes never to need the backup system, they can rest assured that, if the need arises, their production will continue uninterrupted.
Lantmännen Unibake Danmark
Lantmännen Unibake Danmark is the Danish branch of the international bakery group Lantmännen Unibake. From its bakeries in Denmark, it produces a wide range of bread and pastries for both retail and foodservice customers, combining local baking traditions with modern production methods.
