MNRE Issues Guidelines For Solar Cold Storage With Thermal Energy Storage Backup

Posted On - 17 March, 2025 • By - King Stubb & Kasiva

Introduction

The Government of India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released detailed guidelines called “Design Specifications, Performance Guidelines, and Testing Procedure for Solar Cold Storage with Thermal Energy Storage Backup.”[1] These guidelines come into effect from the date of release and seek to standardize the installation of solar-powered cold storage systems coupled with thermal energy storage (TES) to achieve energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Aiming at agricultural, dairy, fishery, and pharma industries, the program intends to lower post-harvest losses, curb grid/diesel reliance, and encourage the uptake of renewable energy in India’s cold chain ecosystem.

Explanation (Key Points)

  1. Objective and Scope
    • The guidelines focus on off-grid solar cold storage systems with capacities of 2 MT, 5 MT, 10 MT, and 20 MT, operating at temperatures ranging from -5°C to 4°C.
    • Systems must use solar photovoltaic (PV) energy as the primary power source, supplemented by TES for backup during non-solar hours. Grid connectivity is allowed for extended cloudy conditions.
  2. System Components and Specifications
    • Cold Room: Insulated with polyurethane foam (PUF) for thermal efficiency. Materials include pre-painted galvanized iron (PPGI) or stainless steel, depending on application (e.g., fishery/dairy require stainless steel).
    • Solar PV System: Modules must comply with IEC/BIS standards, with warranties ensuring 90% output after 10 years and 80% after 25 years.
    • Thermal Energy Storage (TES): Utilizes phase change materials (PCMs) like water or eutectic salts for cost-effective, long-term energy storage (10+ years). TES capacity must support 2 days of autonomy, with daily precooling of 10% storage capacity.
    • Refrigeration Unit: Variable-speed compressors directly powered by solar PV, using HFC refrigerants with zero ozone depletion potential.
    • Remote Monitoring: Mandates real-time tracking of parameters like temperature, humidity, solar generation, and battery status.
  3. Performance Requirements
    • Systems must precool 10% of their capacity daily (e.g., 200 kg for 2 MT) and maintain temperatures within specified ranges for 48 hours using TES.
    • Cold rooms must withstand frequent door openings (10 times/day) and include safety features like internal door unlocking and PVC curtains.
  4. Testing Procedures
    • TES Capacity Testing: Measures cooling delivery using electric heaters to simulate heat load.
    • Solar Performance & Autonomy Testing: Evaluates system resilience under simulated solar profiles and assesses precooling capabilities over 48 hours.
    • Grid-Solar Switching Test: Ensures seamless transition between solar and grid power.
  5. Benefits and Impact
    • Reduced Post-Harvest Losses: Extends shelf life of perishables, boosting farmer incomes.
    • Sustainability: Lowers greenhouse gas emissions by replacing diesel/grid power.
    • Scalability: Over 1,400 systems already installed; guidelines streamline future deployments via standardized bid documents.

Conclusion

The MNRE guidelines represent a landmark development in India’s movement towards sustainable cold chain technology. With solar power integrated with thermal storage, the systems reduce energy insecurity, lower operational expenses, and improve agricultural productivity. The emphasis on thorough testing and component standardization provides reliability, while the concentration on renewable energy complies with national climate objectives. As India moves towards its goal of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, these kinds of initiatives will prove to be vital in the role of changing rural economies and boosting energy independence.

[1] https://mnre.gov.in/en/notice/guidelines-on-design-specifications-performance-guidelines-and-testing-procedure-for-solar-cold-storage-with-thermal-energy-storage-backup/