Mersin-based exporter Eren Tarim has long been considered a pioneer in the Turkish fruit and vegetable business, and the company’s decision to embrace solar panel technology is just the latest in a long line of progressive moves. In 2014, the firm began installing solar panels on the roof of its 18,000m2 packhouse in order to generate its own energy.
“We have been in the business since 1967 and have 22 years’ experience exporting produce,” says deputy export manager Aysel Oğuz. “We therefore remain open to any and all innovations that help keep the environment clean. Every year, we see natural disasters taking so many lives and leaving so many people without homes. Not everyone is thinking about how to leave the world to the next generation, but we are deeply concerned about this and want to make a small contribution to addressing this huge global problem.”
According to Oğuz, the roof has a total area of 12,000m2, of which solar panels cover 5,000m2. “Our region enjoys around 300 sunny days a year and we wanted to take advantage of this opportunity,” she says. “This project enables us to work in a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner and contribute to keeping nature clean together with our partners who we have been working with for many years already. The project will save 1,100 trees a year and prevent the emission of 450 tonnes of CO2.”
The use of such alternative sources of energy means there is no need for other types like nuclear, something that Oğuz regards as a positive. “Our energy system has a capacity of 500 kWp, which enables us to offer products prepared in an environmentally friendly way to more than 60 countries,” she said. “We want all of our customers to know that by purchasing goods from us, they are also engaging in the universal cause of protecting nature.”
