PVTIME – JA Solar’s high-efficiency photovoltaic modules have, since April 2021, played a leading role in an innovative solar-powered açaí berry processing factory boat operating along the Amazon River in South America that has so far seen successful results.
As green energy utilization and development have attracted attention on a global scale, new and diversified means of utilizing solar energy are constantly emerging. Driven by a JA Solar photovoltaic power system composed of 675 bifacial solar modules, the factory boat is designed specifically for açaí berry processing.
Dr. Xinwei Niu, Member of the Board and Executive President of JA Solar, commented, “JA Solar has been devoted to promoting the application of PV technology and exploring various methods of solar energy development. The innovative integration of PV power with manufacturing and shipping is a meaningful trial towards achieving the goal of economic development and environmental protection at the same time. In the future, we’ll continue to work with our business partners to further promote the development of the PV industry to realize the goal of carbon neutrality.”
The factory boat, designed and built by local EPC company Bertolini and Valmont, a global leader in creating vital infrastructure and advancing agricultural productivity, has a daily production capacity to process 20 tons of açaí berries into 12 tons of frozen açaí pulp and a storage capacity of 300 tons of processed frozen products. The wastewater generated during production and operation is disposed of by a sewage treatment system on the boat before being discharged. The onboard plant can complete the treatment of up to 15,000 liters of wastewater every day.
The açaí berry grows on lands around the Amazon River delta and has been an integral part of the local diet for centuries. Procuring açaí berries directly from residents along the Amazon River, the factory boat creates 50 direct employment opportunities and potentially increases the annual income of local river communities by approximately one million dollars.
