Signalling further market penetration of hydrocarbons into the beverage industry, Spanish brewer Mahou San Miguel has invested €3.3m in developing a propane-based (R290) chiller for the hospitality sector.

Mahou San Miguel estimates that the new ‘Ecocooler’ chiller, provided by Spanish commercial refrigeration firm efficold, will reduce energy costs by 12-15% compared to HFC-based equipment.

“Our investment in this initiative is part of our constant commitment to providing value solutions to the hospitality industry through innovation and, of course, with the sustainable development of our business and that of our customers, taking care of our environment,” said Segura Peio Arbeloa, general director of Mahou San Miguel’s Spanish unit

“Our investment in this initiative is part of our constant commitment to providing value solutions to the hospitality industry through innovation.

Segura Peio Arbeloa, Mahou San Miguel

30m investment

By harnessing propane, the ozone-depleting potential (ODP) of the chiller is zero while its global warming potential (GWP) is just three.

The cooler is designed for the limited space of hotel bars in mind. It is available in three sizes – all of which have smaller dimensions than chillers currently produced by the company, according to FoodBev Media, a food and drink news website.

Mahou San Miguel has pledged to invest a further €30m in rolling out the chillers in hotels over the next three years as part of its ‘We Are 2020’ sustainability programme.

Want to find out more, or have something to say about this story? Join the ATMO Connect network to meet and engage with like-minded stakeholders in the clean cooling and natural refrigerant arena.