A Decade with no Additional Heating: Norfa’s Partnership with FREOR in Energy-Efficient Cooling

Norfa, one of Lithuania’s largest supermarket chains, has relied on FREOR’s commercial refrigeration equipment for over 20 years, thanks to their shared commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. Over the years, Norfa has consistently trusted FREOR’s innovative cooling solutions, and a decade ago, the supermarket chain took a significant step forward by implementing Hydroloop cooling technology in its stores. The system significantly improved energy efficiency and eliminated the need for additional store heating during the winters, in a cold climate country like Lithuania.

client

location

Lithuania

Refrigeration System

Hydroloop Glycol

Products

Energy Efficiency Through Smart Compressor Placement

To reduce energy consumption while maintaining the same level of comfort as its competitors, Norfa prioritizes the placement of compressors when selecting commercial refrigeration equipment. The supermarket prefers refrigeration units with built-in compressors because they are more energy-efficient and unlike traditional systems, where an external compressor is used, the cold travels from the compressor through the pipes to the refrigerator—resulting in energy loss, while built-in compressors minimize this loss, making the system more efficient.

The Hydroloop system connects plug-in refrigeration equipment fitted inside with compressors and all refrigeration cycle components to a glycol-cooled system with a plate condenser for excess heat reusing. That is why it was a perfect choice for the chain’s sustainability and efficiency goals.

A Decade Without Additional Heating Sources

A Hydroloop system is an advanced refrigeration solution that efficiently removes excess condensation heat through liquid pipes to the outside of the building or allows it to be reused to heat the store or water—an approach that Norfa actively implements.

As the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norfos Mažmena explains: „During the cold season, we use the heat released by the compressor operating in the refrigerator to heat the store premises – we have been doing this for 10 years and do not use additional heat sources in the stores. As far as I know, Norfa is the only one among Lithuanian retail chains that has not used additional heating systems or fossil fuels in new stores for a decade.“

This remarkable achievement is made by the innovative FREOR Hydroloop cooling system, which not only reduces energy consumption but also minimizes environmental impact. By using the waste heat and eliminating the need for fossil fuels, Norfa sets a new standard for sustainability in the retail sector in Lithuania.

Norfa chain continues to trust in FREOR and started implementing our NEW DESIGN LINE commercial refrigeration equipment operating in the Hydroloop Glycol system, ensuring continued optimization of their energy use and creating a more modern-looking environment for their customers.