Roasting Coffee with the Rays of the Sun

Antonio Durbe, left, and Daniele Tummei overlook the functioning of the Purosole, Pure Sun, solar light coffee roaster, in Rome, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. (AP)
Antonio Durbe, left, and Daniele Tummei overlook the functioning of the Purosole, Pure Sun, solar light coffee roaster, in Rome, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. (AP)
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Roasting Coffee with the Rays of the Sun

Antonio Durbe, left, and Daniele Tummei overlook the functioning of the Purosole, Pure Sun, solar light coffee roaster, in Rome, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. (AP)
Antonio Durbe, left, and Daniele Tummei overlook the functioning of the Purosole, Pure Sun, solar light coffee roaster, in Rome, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. (AP)

Combining two of Italy's delights — coffee and sunshine — a couple of engineers in Rome have created an environmentally friendly way to roast coffee beans without electricity or gas.

Antonio Durbe and Daniele Tummei have spent almost six years building and perfecting their sunlight coffee roaster.

The result is a system that needs a piece of land about the size of half a tennis court and sunny weather to roast up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of coffee an hour.

The plant is run entirely by energy from the sun. Sunrays are concentrated by a set of mirrors on a coffee roaster and even the few electrical parts are powered by a small solar panel. Sensors controlled by a computer allow the mirrors to follow the sun throughout the day and focus its light on a rotating steel basket that contains the fresh coffee beans. The basket reaches peak temperatures of about 240-250 C (450-480 F), depending on the sun's brightness, and can roast the beans in 20 minutes.

The process isn't only environmentally friendly and economically convenient. According to Durbe and Tummei, it also better preserves the coffee’s aroma, giving it a richer flavor. Unlike conventional hot air ovens, which are typically gas-powered, the concentrated sunlight roasts the coffee without heating the air around it — by penetrating the grains in a more uniform way and without burning the exterior.

Naturally, the system does depend on good weather. On cloudy days or after sunset, coffee lovers need to turn elsewhere.

However, in sunny southern Italy, a plant with 40 mirrors is capable of roasting up to 30,000 kilograms (66,000 pounds) of coffee a year, saving about 60,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, according to the inventors.

Their Purosole, or pure sun, coffee can be bought online, but the main goal of the inventors is selling their solar coffee roasting plants to small businesses who are sensitive to the environment. Right now, they are operating their plant in the garden of a friend.

The system can be put to other uses as well. At the end of a long work day, Durbe and Tummei place a grill in in front of the mirrors to prepare some delicious sunlight barbecue.



Manga Productions to Publish 'Nioh 3' in MENA with Arabic Localization

“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)
“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)
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Manga Productions to Publish 'Nioh 3' in MENA with Arabic Localization

“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)
“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)

Manga Productions, a subsidiary of Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), announced on Tuesday its partnership with KOEI TECMO GAMES as the official publisher of the highly anticipated action title “Nioh 3” in the Middle East and North Africa region. The game is scheduled for a worldwide simultaneous launch in early 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Steam.

In a statement, Manga Production said “Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series, celebrated for its unique blend of Japanese mythology and intense combat. With over eight million units sold worldwide, the Nioh series has established itself as a global favorite.

This new installment adopts an open field environment and a new battle system that allows players to switch between the two fighting styles "Samurai" and "Ninja" in real time during combat.

As part of the collaboration, Manga Productions will lead the Arabic localization, marketing, and regional publishing efforts. In line with the company's mission to empower local talent, Manga Productions will involve Saudi creatives in the localization process, ensuring a culturally resonant and high-quality experience for Arabic-speaking players.

Manga Productions CEO Dr. Essam Bukhary said the launch of “Nioh 3” with Arabic support for gamers in the region is another step toward delivering world-class experiences while empowering Saudi talent throughout every stage of development.

“The trust we've earned from our global partners reflects Manga Productions' strong capabilities in publishing, distribution, and marketing, as well as our continued success in delivering high-quality, culturally relevant content to audiences across the region,” he stated.

Manga Productions and KOEI TECMO GAMES remain committed to delivering high-quality entertainment that reflects the growing passion and potential of the gaming community across the Middle East.

KOEI TECMO GAMES President and COO Hisashi Koinuma stressed: “After the positive reception of DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, we're excited to deepen our partnership with Manga Productions to bring Nioh 3 to Arabic-speaking audiences, fully localized and tailored to their expectations.”

Manga Productions Business Development and Content Licensing Director Eng. Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh said: “Following our collaboration on DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, which was praised for delivering an Arabic experience that felt original rather than translated, Nioh 3 is our next step in raising that standard.”

“We're committed to offering players a seamless, fully localized journey that feels like it was made for them from day one of the worldwide simultaneous launch,” he remarked.