Al-Thuraiya Reduces Water and Energy Use Through Operational Improvements

The facility, which employs 244 workers and produces whole chickens, cut-up parts, and other poultry products, has significantly reduced its water consumption by optimizing operational and maintenance processes. The improvements to the reverse osmosis system will cut fresh water use by 198,000 cubic meters per year, reducing wastewater processing by nearly one-third. Expected savings from these water improvements total 405,000 Jordanian dinars (JOD) per year. Energy-saving measures were also implemented at the facility, reducing electricity use by nearly one-third (2,770,000 kilowatt-hours per year) and diesel consumption by 6,700 liters per year. These measures included increasing production speed to reduce the average kilowatt-hours needed to process each bird, increasing the power factor by adding new panels, installing harmonics filters for inverters, training operators on refrigeration plant efficiencies, improving insulation on cooling system doors and pipes, and installing controls for internal and external lighting. Expected savings from these energy improvements total 225,000 JOD per year. The total annual savings from both water and energy improvements are estimated to be 630,000 JOD. The facility's Research and Development Manager, Dr. Wisam, expects these environmentally friendly changes to increase the facility's competitive edge in the local and regional markets. He believes that these changes will enable the facility to increase its revenue and provide a greater benefit to customers. The Al-Thuraiya Poultry facility is one of 30 industrial partners working with USAID to reduce industrial pollution and conserve scarce water and energy resources. The Water Reuse and Environmental Conservation Project examined water and energy use, material and waste flow, production processes, quality control, and other aspects of each facility's operations. The assessments suggested options for minimizing pollution and saving water, energy, and money, and analyzed costs and payback periods for these options. The project's goal is to help industrial facilities in Jordan reduce their environmental impact while also improving their bottom line. By implementing operational improvements and adopting environmentally friendly practices, facilities like Al-Thuraiya Poultry can reduce their costs and increase their competitiveness in the market.