Processing of palm sap is a traditional way to gain raw sugar in Cambodia. The special variety of palm tree is grown in-between many fields and small farmers harvest the sap when the trees flower in dry season. The sap is boiled over wood fires to evaporate most of the water, leaving a solid brown sugar behind. This nutritious sugar is part of traditional Cambodian cuisine and the palm tree a symbol of local agriculture. Due to large deforestation over the last few decades the prices for firewood have risen and it must be considered not to use wood wherever possible.
Energy Farm from Korea, with the help of Simply Solar (Germany), implemented a first test set-up of solar palm sugar processing at ISAC school (Institute of Sustainable Agriculture and Community Development) in Takeo province, Cambodia. The main funding is provided by the Global Green Growth Institute, with further support from Energy Farm and Simply Solar.
Three 10m² Scheffler Reflectors, manufactured at the school, provide the heat to boil the sap. Beginning of December 2012 fabrication started at ISAC school. First trials of solar palm sugar processing took place end of February 2013. The reflectors are now used to process palm sugar (seasonal) and
to cook for the institution and school.
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| Palm trees used for palm sugar production. | Boiling palm sap over an improved wood-stove. | |
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| Palm sap on solar stove. | ||
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| First solar palm sugar! | ||
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| The team during installation. | The building is yet to be completed. | |
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| The processing unit with 3 reflectors is ready. |
The reflectors are used to process palm sugar and to cook for the institution. |