By Samit Jain, Managing Director, PLUSS Advanced Technologies
As the world increasingly prioritizes sustainability, innovative approaches in cold storage have become essential, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Cold storage is a critical component of the supply chain, ensuring that perishable goods and temperature-sensitive products remain safe and effective. In regions with unreliable electricity access, the challenge of maintaining consistent cold storage is even greater. To address these challenges, integrating renewable energy sources with advanced thermal energy storage systems offers a promising solution.
In India, 40% of the food wasted is equivalent to nearly 92,000 crore/year. This is equivalent to nearly 1% of the GDP which is depleted in the form of food wastage in India.The Government supports farmers for adopting farming related technologies under various schemes. Most of the schemes are implemented through the respective State Governments. Schemes under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) are just some examples that the Government is pushing ahead to help strength the backbone of our Country.
The Innovation Behind Sustainable Cold Storages
One such innovation in sustainable cold storage involves the integration of solar energy with thermal energy storage (TES) technology using phase change materials. These systems use solar power to maintain the necessary low temperatures in cold rooms, which is particularly useful in off-grid or remote locations. The TES units are designed to store excess energy generated by solar panels during the day and release it during the night or when sunlight is insufficient. This capability ensures continuous cooling, reducing the reliance on conventional energy sources and minimizing the environmental impact.
The heart of this technology lies in its ability to stabilize temperatures within the cold storage environment. By effectively storing and releasing thermal energy, these systems can significantly reduce spoilage and waste, extending the shelf life of perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals. This not only preserves the quality of the stored products but also helps reduce the economic losses associated with food spoilage.
The Need for Sustainability in Cold Storage
The cold storage industry has traditionally relied on grid electricity, which in many regions is still predominantly generated from fossil fuels. This dependency contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and increases vulnerability to power outages, leading to potential losses of valuable goods. As the global community seeks to reduce carbon footprints, the demand for sustainable cold storage solutions has grown.
Renewable energy-powered cold storage systems offer a viable alternative. By harnessing solar energy, these systems lower operational costs, particularly in rural or remote areas where grid infrastructure may be lacking. This makes them an attractive option for small-scale farmers and cooperatives, who often face significant challenges in preserving their harvests and getting the best prices for their produce. The ability to maintain a stable storage temperature without relying on grid electricity helps reduce energy costs and ensures the availability of cold chain linkages even in areas with frequent power disruptions.
Cold Storage in Food and Pharma Preservation
The benefits of integrating renewable energy with cold storage extend beyond agriculture. In the pharmaceutical sector, maintaining precise temperature control using passive cooling solutions is crucial for the efficacy of vaccines, medicines, and other temperature-sensitive products. In many developing regions, the lack of reliable cold storage infrastructure poses a serious challenge to public health, especially during the distribution of vaccines. Renewable energy-powered cold storage systems provide a reliable solution, ensuring that these critical products are kept at the required temperatures throughout the supply chain.
For an agricultural country having an ever growing population with more and more mouths to feed, India wastes over 30% of the food produce every year with post-harvest losses accounting for a large percentage. For the government and small-scale farmers, the ability to store their produce at optimal temperatures means they can reduce post-harvest losses and extend the marketability of their products. This not only helps stabilize their income but also allows them to negotiate better prices, reducing the pressure to sell immediately after harvest. This economic benefit, combined with the reduced environmental impact, makes sustainable cold storage a key innovation in the drive toward more resilient agricultural practices.