Fisheries and Aquaculture
December 3, 2014

Advancing Energy Efficiency in the Processing Sector

Quinlan Brothers Ltd. Receive $100,000 to Explore Energy Savings

The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced $100,000 to assist Quinlan Brothers Limited with the installation of new refrigeration control systems in their Bay de Verde processing facility. This funding will allow the company to explore innovation in their refrigeration technology with the goal of reducing energy consumption and cost.

“The Provincial Government is pleased to commit $100,000 to this research and development project, which has the potential to give provincial processors a new option for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. By helping processors explore ways to achieve greater energy efficiency, we improve their ability to compete globally.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

This project is part of a three-plant study by the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) to investigate benefits of energy efficient control systems in industrial settings. Refrigeration systems are the largest consumers of electrical energy in processing plants. By modifying existing technologies and adopting new efficient equipment, the new system has the potential to generate 10 to 15 per cent energy savings overall.

“To be a major player in the global fishing industry we have to be committed not only to the quality of our products, but also the processes by which we operate. We thank the Provincial Government for investing in this project as we strive to produce seafood that is second to none, while being conscientious of our energy consumption.”
- Robin Quinlan, Vice President of Quinlan Brothers Ltd

The project began in late fall of 2013 and will be completed by the winter of 2015. Following the completion of this project, this technology could be used throughout the food processing industry wherever freezer and cooling systems are used.

QUICK FACTS

• Quinlan Brothers Limited will receive $100, 000 for installation of new refrigeration control systems at their plant in Bay de Verde.
• Ocean Choice International and Allen’s Fisheries Limited are the other two processors participating in the CCFI study.
• Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $4 million for the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program to support projects aimed at enhancing the harvesting, processing and marketing of provincial seafood.

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2014 12 03                              11:25 a.m.