Decarbonisation of Cold Storage

Food and energy security are the top priority for India as we aim to achieve Viksit Bharat@2047, the UN Sustainable development Goals by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070. However, shifting rainfall patterns, agricultural cycles, droughts and supply chain disruption have intensified the concerns around food security. 

To address this public and private players are investing in smarter technologies, cold storage and sustainable agricultural practices. Yet, cold chains alone count for 1% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – contributing to the very crisis they seek to solve.  

In an effort to combat this, The CII Cold Chain Committee has published the Decarbonisation Playbook for Cold Storage to address the gaps in creating a greener cold chain infrastructure. 

Why decarbonation of cold storage? 

Transitioning to a low-carbon cold chain will reduce GHG emissions and preserve the ozone layer along with reduced resource consumption and ecosystem degradation. Filling the gaps in cold chain storage can lead to an emissions reduction potential of 77 mtCO2e annually by 2038.

According to a World Bank report, the cold chain and refrigeration sector will be worth US$29 billion by 2038. The agricultural cold chains sector alone can create 1.7 million jobs. Additionally, decarbonised cold chains will drastically reduce energy demand and increase productivity, adding to its economic benefits. By cutting waste, improving operational efficiency, and extending the shelf life of products, cold chain operators can realize cost savings and improved product quality while aligning with global sustainability goals. Decarbonised cold storage system is also better for increasing food security in the long run with access to reliable energy. 

How can cold chains reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions? 

• Use of renewable energy 

Cold chain businesses should integrate solar, wind, and other renewable sources into their power supply, especially in regions with unreliable electricity grids. This will reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower costs and enhance their resilience. 

• Reduction in refrigerant impact

As the refrigerants used in cold chain operations are major contributors to GHG emissions, switching to low global warming potential (GWP) alternatives is crucial. This involves promoting the adoption of advanced cooling technologies and phasing out high GWP refrigerants in favour of eco-friendly alternatives. 

• Carbon footprint reduction

Adopting energy-efficient refrigeration units, optimizing logistics, and promoting sustainable transportation practices can also help align the sector with national and international climate commitments. 

• Transport emission reduction

The use of electric and hybrid vehicles, optimizing routes, better vehicle utilization, adoption of electric refrigerated trucks, and streamlining distribution networks can also reduce the logistics carbon footprint. 

• Develop circular economy practice

Key strategies like sustainable packaging solutions that extend the shelf life of perishable goods, utilizing thermal energy storage systems to optimize temperature control without continuous refrigeration, and integrating advanced technologies like IoT for real-time monitoring of energy consumption and temperature management will help include principles of circular economy in the network.

• Use of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system 

The use of diesel generators for power backup leads to increase in the operational expenses as well as carbon emission. Alternatively, the thermal energy storage is a cost-effective alternative as they store cooling when electricity is available and provide it when electricity is not available. They are also environmentally friendly and do not use chemicals. 

A greener cooling strategy holds potential for $1.6 trillion investment opportunity in India as the demand for cooling is likely to be eight times more by 2037. Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), the Government is providing financial assistance, credit and subsidy to construct, expand and modernise cold storage facilities. 

While we aim to strengthen the cold storage infrastructure, it is essential to ensure that this growth is anchors in a low-carbon, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient network.