|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Solar-powered cold storage emerging as a sustainable solution
|
|
Thursday, 20 November, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Dr Ankur Agrawal
|
Cold storage plays a pivotal role in the preservation and distribution of perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and pharmaceuticals. With rising consumer demand for fresh products, globalisation of the food trade, and technological innovations in the cold chain, the significance of cold storage facilities has grown tremendously. In the present scenario, cold storage is not merely a warehouse with refrigeration; it has evolved into an integrated system that ensures temperature-sensitive commodities maintain their quality, safety, and shelf life from production to consumption.
Current Global and Indian Scenario
Globally, the cold storage market has expanded at a rapid pace due to increasing international trade of perishable commodities and the growth of the e-commerce sector. According to market research reports, the global cold storage market size surpassed US$140 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 12% during the next five years. Developed economies like the USA, China, and Germany have advanced cold chain infrastructures that integrate automation, IoT, and AI for efficient temperature control, inventory management, and logistics optimisation.
In India, the cold storage sector has gained significant attention over the past decade, especially due to the rise in organised retail, food processing industries, and government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana. India has over 8,000 cold storage units with a combined capacity of approximately 37 million metric tons, yet the distribution remains uneven, with over 70% capacity dedicated to potatoes. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for diversification toward multi-commodity cold storage facilities and regional development.
Technological Advancements
The cold storage industry is witnessing a technological revolution. Modern refrigeration systems use eco-friendly refrigerants, automated temperature monitoring, and remote control through IoT-enabled devices. Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are helping predict maintenance needs, reduce energy consumption, and improve efficiency. Renewable energy integration, especially solar-powered cold storage, is emerging as a sustainable solution to reduce operational costs and dependency on grid electricity.
Advanced materials and insulation techniques are also enhancing the thermal efficiency of cold storage facilities. Furthermore, automation in loading, unloading, and tracking systems ensures minimal human intervention, reducing contamination risks and improving productivity.
Challenges and Issues
Despite its growth, the cold storage sector faces several challenges. High initial investment, high energy consumption, and lack of skilled manpower are key barriers. Additionally, the rural and semi-urban areas, which are major agricultural production zones, often lack adequate cold storage infrastructure. Transport connectivity and poor last-mile logistics also contribute to significant post-harvest losses, particularly in perishable commodities like fruits and vegetables.
Energy efficiency and sustainability are major concerns, as traditional refrigeration systems contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. There is also a lack of standardised temperature monitoring systems and insufficient awareness among small-scale producers regarding the benefits of cold storage. Financial institutions often hesitate to fund cold chain projects due to their long payback periods and high operational risks.
Figure 1: Global Cold Storage Network and Market Share (Illustrative).
Figure 2: Indian Cold Storage Distribution and Capacity Utilisation (Illustrative).
Government Initiatives and Future Prospects
To overcome the existing challenges, both Central and State Governments in India are implementing multiple initiatives. Schemes like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Mega Food Parks, and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana aim to create integrated cold chain and value addition infrastructure. Financial assistance and subsidies are being provided for setting up cold storage units, reefer vans, and pack houses. Public-private partnerships (PPP) are being encouraged to attract investments and develop modern cold storage clusters.
The future of cold storage in India is highly promising and transformative. In the coming years, the sector is expected to see widespread adoption of automation, smart monitoring systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance and demand forecasting. Blockchain technology will play a key role in ensuring transparency, traceability, and quality control across the entire cold chain, especially for exports. The increasing use of renewable energy sources such as solar and biogas will reduce operational costs and environmental impact, making cold storage more sustainable and accessible in rural areas.
Moreover, decentralised cold storage units near farms and production centres will empower farmers by minimising post-harvest losses and improving income stability. The development of multi-commodity cold storages, rather than single-product facilities, will enable year-round utilisation and enhance profitability. The government’s focus on “Digital Agriculture” and “Smart Infrastructure” will also integrate real-time data analytics for efficient resource management. With continuous technological innovation, increased foreign investment, and supportive policies, India’s cold storage industry is poised to emerge as a global leader, ensuring food security, minimising wastage, and strengthening the economy.
In addition to these prospects, the demand for temperature-controlled logistics is expected to surge with the expansion of the pharmaceutical, dairy, seafood, and frozen food industries. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of cold storage in vaccine distribution, pushing policymakers to strengthen cold chain connectivity from production to end-users. As a result, investments in healthcare-related cold storage infrastructure have increased substantially. The rise of e-commerce and online grocery delivery platforms is another driving force that demands robust and flexible cold storage networks to maintain product freshness during last-mile delivery.
The government is also promoting research and development in advanced refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants such as ammonia and carbon dioxide, which have lower environmental footprints compared to traditional hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Incentives for solar-assisted cold storage and the integration of digital sensors and cloud-based management systems will further reduce inefficiencies. Furthermore, policies supporting farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) and cooperative models will make small and medium-scale cold storage facilities financially viable and operationally efficient.
India’s vision for 2047, aligned with sustainable development goals, emphasises zero food wastage, efficient logistics, and equitable access to post-harvest technology. By leveraging technological innovations, renewable energy, and smart logistics, India aims to establish itself as a global cold chain hub. The future lies in the convergence of technology, sustainability, and inclusivity — ensuring that every farmer, producer, and consumer benefits from a reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly cold storage network.
Cold storage is a vital component of the global supply chain, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. The current scenario demonstrates a sector on the verge of transformation—driven by technology, sustainability, and consumer demand for quality. To harness its full potential, collaborative efforts between government, private players, and technology providers are essential. A robust, energy-efficient, and accessible cold storage network can significantly enhance food security, reduce waste, and strengthen economic growth.
(The author is principal (I/C) Jai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Research, Gwalior- Madhya Pradesh)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|