Turboden to supply a Heat Electrification Solution to Co.Pro.B. - Italia Zuccheri Supporting the Decarbonization of Steam Production in the Sugar Industry

Brescia, Italy – 2 April 2026 - Turboden, a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group company and global leader in energy efficiency and industrial decarbonization solutions, has signed an agreement with Co.Pro.B. – Italia Zuccheri, Italian fully integrated sugar producer, for the supply of Turboden first centrifugal Mechanical Vapour Recompressor (MVR) system.

“This new project in the electrification of high‑temperature process heat—particularly for industrial steam production—further strengthens Turboden’s position as a key player in this field. Following the recent start‑up of the world’s largest steam‑producing heat pump for Delfort’s paper mill in Finland, Co.Pro.B.’s decision to adopt our technology represents a clear confirmation of the trust in our technology. Mechanical vapor recompressors is a fundamental technology to decarbonize industrial processes and Turboden, with its new family of proprietary compressors, intends to play an important role.”  States Paolo Bertuzzi, CEO & Managing Director Turboden S.p.A.

Co.Pro.B., an Italian agricultural cooperative operating two sugar factories and managing the entire beet-to-sugar value chain, aims to replace fossil-fuel-based steam generation with a more efficient, more sustainable and electrified solution.

Currently, the factory uses a gas-fired boiler to produce steam for the evaporation columns that concentrate sugar juice. Turboden Mechanical Vapour Recompressor will replace this system by recovering low-pressure vapour generated in the final stage of evaporation—vapour that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere—and upgrading it to the required process conditions.

The system will recompress steam from 0.38 bar(a) and 80°C to 1.8 bar(a) and 117°C, delivering a total output of 22 tons per hour. By reusing internally generated steam, the solution will significantly reduce natural gas consumption while ensuring the same steam quality, reliability, and improved overall process efficiency.

A key requirement from Co.Pro.B. was the installation of the MVR within an existing space with strict dimensional constraints. Turboden engineering team developed a compact solution that perfectly fits within the available footprint, while maintaining optimal accessibility and service clearances.

To further streamline implementation, the MVR system will be delivered on a preassembled skid, designed within the maximum transportable dimensions. This approach will significantly reduce on-site erection and commissioning activities, minimizing downtime and ensuring faster integration into the plant

Turboden centrifugal MVR will ensure high compression performance and seamless integration with the existing evaporation stages.

Key features of the solution include:

• High compression head centrifugal compressor
• Inverter-driven regulation for optimized performance and flexibility
• Materials compliant with Food-Grade requirements
• Integrated steam cleaning system to remove residual sugar from the flow
• Special sealing solutions designed for vacuum inlet conditions, preventing air infiltration
• Seamless integration into the existing evaporation process

With this agreement, Turboden further consolidates its position as a technology partner for energy-intensive industries seeking proven, quick-to-install, reliable and highly efficient decarbonization solutions.