Heat Pumps & Solar Power Deliver On-Farm Efficiency and Sustainability

ESP Energy delivered a fully integrated renewable energy solution for a leading UK dairy farm, combining 4 x 100kW heat pumps and an 80kW solar PV system to create a highly efficient, low-carbon milk cooling and site heating system. The innovative setup cools milk instantly to below 4°C, while recovering the extracted heat to supply process water, space heating for on-site properties, and calf welfare facilities.

As part of this forward-thinking installation, ESP Energy also designed and manufactured a custom 35,000-litre bulk milk silo. The insulated tank uses advanced cooling plates on the sides and base to maintain optimal storage temperature, reducing energy demand, increasing hygiene, and protecting product quality.

Heat Pump & Solar at Dairy Farm - Cows in a barn
Solar PV for farms

Benefits for the client

This renewable system transforms how energy is used across the dairy site, cutting reliance on fossil fuels while maximising operational efficiency and animal welfare.

  • Instant milk cooling to < 4°C using high-efficiency heat pumps
  • Recovered heat used for process washing, property heating, and calf sheds
  • 80kW of solar PV powers heat pump system and site infrastructure
  • Bespoke 35,000L chilled milk silo with plate cooling integration
  • Circular energy use for increased sustainability and cost savings
  • Full system manufactured, installed, and commissioned by ESP Energy

Integrated milk cooling and heat recovery
Clean heating across dairy processing and livestock housing
Reducing farm emissions and fossil fuel reliance