India’s cold storage sector is critical for preserving agricultural produce, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods, but it is also extremely energy-intensive. With over 7,000 facilities operating across the country, these units use a lot of electricity each year. Coal-fired plants generate approximately 0.8 to 1 kilogramme of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity, accounting for a significant portion of this power. In addition to grid dependence, many facilities use diesel generators as a backup during power outages. Diesel generators emit 0.7 to 1 kg of CO₂ per kWh of electricity produced, contributing significantly to the carbon footprint. As a result, traditional cold storage methods contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Solar-powered cold storage systems provide a transformative solution by breaking the high-emission cycle. These systems generate electricity on-site using solar panels, resulting in zero direct emissions during daylight hours. Solar installations harness clean, renewable energy from the sun rather than relying on coal-based grids. During peak sunlight, facilities can meet most or all of their cooling needs without emitting carbon. Modern systems also incorporate efficient battery storage or minimal grid backup integration, ensuring dependable operation even when sunlight is unavailable. This significantly reduces reliance on diesel generators and fossil fuel-powered electricity.
Companies such as Devanhaar have shown that solar-integrated cold storage systems can reduce emissions by 80 to 90 per cent compared to traditional setups. Consider a medium-sized 100-tonne cold storage unit to get a sense of the magnitude of the impact. A facility of this type may require between 200,000 and 300,000 kWh of electricity per year. Using coal-based grids and diesel backups can lead to annual CO₂ emissions of 160 to 300 tonnes. In contrast, a solar-powered system can meet almost all of this demand through on-site renewable generation. In some cases, facilities generate excess electricity that can be exported back to the grid, further promoting clean energy adoption.
| Aspect | Traditional Cold Storage | Solar Cold Storage (Devanhaar) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Energy Source | Coal grid (0.8 kg CO₂/kWh) or diesel (0.7 kg CO₂/kWh) | Solar PV (0 g CO₂/kWh operational) |
| Backup Reliability | Frequent failures during outages | Up to 10 days continuous operation |
| Total Emission Impact | 200-500 tonnes CO₂/year per 100 MT unit | 80-90% lower (20-50 tonnes lifecycle) |
| Refrigerant Type | HFCs (high GWP) | Low-GWP natural gases |
| Crop Suitability | Broad, but inconsistent | Optimized for vegetables & fruits |
| Maintenance Emissions | Fuel transport & repairs | Minimal (panel cleaning only) |
Role of Natural Refrigerants in Reducing Indirect Emissions
The utilisation of natural refrigerants is a crucial environmental benefit of solar cold storage. The global warming potential (GWP) of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are frequently more than 1,000 times that of CO₂, is a significant factor in conventional refrigeration systems. Significant harm to the climate can result from even tiny leaks of these refrigerants. Natural refrigerants, like R290 (propane), on the other hand, are much more environmentally friendly and have very little potential to cause global warming. Solar cold storage systems can cut indirect emissions by an additional 10 to 20 per cent by using natural refrigerants instead of high-GWP ones.
Lifecycle analyses of solar refrigeration technologies further support the environmental argument. Although the initial investment for solar infrastructure may be higher, most systems pay for themselves in terms of money and carbon emissions in three to five years. Since solar panels typically last 20 to 25 years, the long-term carbon savings are substantial and net positive. Over a 20-year period, a single mid-sized solar cold storage facility can prevent thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Rajasthan and Gujarat, two of India’s high-solar regions, provide especially advantageous circumstances for the installation of solar cold storage. For every kilowatt (kW) of installed capacity, solar panels in these states can produce between 1,500 and 2,000 kWh per year. Since this output frequently surpasses the cooling requirements of numerous establishments, solar energy is not only a sustainable option but also a financially feasible one. Solar cold storage is a significant step towards lowering emissions, enhancing sustainability, and assisting India in achieving its climate goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and replacing them with renewable energy.
