The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has unveiled the draft design specifications for Solar Cold Storage (SCS), setting the stage for public feedback and stakeholder engagement. This move underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging renewable energy for agricultural preservation while ensuring inclusivity in policy formulation. This notification was issued on February 29, 2024.
The draft specifications, now available on the MNRE website, outline basic design parameters and performance guidelines for SCS, complemented by Thermal Energy Storage (TES) backup. Ranging from 2MT to 10MT in storage capacity, these facilities are envisioned to be powered entirely by Solar PV as a Distributed Renewable Energy Source (DRE), ensuring adaptability across diverse geographical locations in India.
Emphasizing the preservation of perishable produce, the specifications target storage temperatures between 4°C to 15°C, catering to a wide range of commodities including fruits and vegetables. Stringent quality standards are upheld, mandating certification of all individual components as per relevant industry norms.
Key highlights of the draft specifications include adherence to Critical Storage Conditions (CSC) and cooling requirements specified by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) standards. Additionally, the operational life expectancy of SCS systems is set at a minimum of 10 years from the date of commissioning, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficacy.
The document further outlines minimum specifications aligned with the upcoming Government of India scheme aimed at supporting farmers. By soliciting feedback from stakeholders and the public, MNRE seeks to refine and enhance the proposed specifications, fostering a collaborative approach towards advancing renewable energy solutions in agriculture.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments and views on the draft specifications via email to akchoudhary.mnre@gov.in by March 15, 2024.
