TILARAN, COSTA RICA - Using the latest solar technology, a Canadian-led partnership is helping coffee producers in Costa Rica save energy and help the environment. Today, Trade Counsellor Sylvy Gariepy of the Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica unveiled a cutting-edge solar coffee-drying test site in Tilaran - the largest of its kind in Central America. "This is an exciting day for the future of solar energy in agricultural applications," said Ms. Gariepy. "This facility exemplifies the unlimited potential and benefits of this renewable energy source." The site was developed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Government of Canada's Technology Early Action Measures (TEAM) program, Conserval Engineering Inc. of Toronto and Coopeldos R.L., a coffee-growing cooperative in Costa Rica. "This project is another example of Canada's leadership in developing innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) that will have lasting benefits at home and around the world," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Increasing energy efficiency and using clean, renewable energy sources are essential to addressing climate change." At the Tilaran plant, 850 square metres of Conserval's Solarwall® panels were installed on the roof. Intake fans draw in warmed air from the perforated panels to dry the coffee beans. The Solarwall technology was developed with support from NRCan, is 40 percent more efficient and costs 25 percent less than conventional solar products. "Coopeldos has shown leadership in the coffee industry by switching to solar energy, and their customers, including Starbucks, are benefiting from the quality and taste of the solar-dried coffee beans," said John Hollick, President of Conserval Engineering Inc. "For Coopeldos R.L., this is a great opportunity because it fulfils two of our institutional goals: quality and innovation. The use of technologies that protect our environment is one more element our clients will consider when they choose our coffee. It is not only organic and of the highest quality, but it is also produced with a technology that avoids deforestation, whereas our previous system ran on wood," explains Juan Carlos Álvarez, General Manager of Coopeldos R.L. This project was sparked by a Canadian-led study of the International Energy Agency's Solar Heating and Cooling Program. The study found solar crop-drying systems result in significant energy savings, reduced use of fossil fuels and lower GHG emissions. The Tilaran facility is one of six test sites - the others are in Panama, China and India. These sites are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,000 tonnes a year, primarily by displacing fossil fuels. The projects in Costa Rica and Panama are also helping to prevent deforestation by reducing the amount of wood burned. TEAM has contributed $582,750 to this three-year, $1.5‑million project. NRCan has contributed $175,000. This project advances Canada's international leadership role in the natural resources sectors, which are a vital part of Canada's economy and society. It also supports the Government of Canada's commitment to building on the strength of our country and our people. More information on Solarwall technology is available at http://www.solarwall.com/. FOR BROADCAST USE: A Canadian-led partnership is helping coffee producers in Costa Rica save energy and help the environment. With support from the Government of Canada, a cutting-edge solar coffee-drying test site in Tilaran was unveiled today. It is the largest of its kind in Central America. For more information, media may contact: Ghyslain Charron Media Relations Natural Resources Canada (613) 992-4447 Tom Ormsby Director of Communications Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada (613) 996-2007
