Copeland & Ecozen Alliance Brings Off-Grid Cold Storage to Rural India

In a significant move toward strengthening India's farm-level cold chain infrastructure, global cold chain leader Copeland has partnered with Ecozen to introduce solar-powered cold storage systems aimed at rural agricultural communities. With India witnessing increasing pressure to curb post-harvest losses—estimated at 30–40% by the FAO—the partnership addresses a critical gap in the supply chain using clean energy.

The collaboration brings together Copeland’s advanced ZBW variable speed compressors and Ecozen’s solar technology, enabling high-efficiency refrigeration that operates even in off-grid and remote locations. Over 300 variable speed compressors have already been installed across India, helping reduce approximately 22 tons of CO₂ emissions per 5-ton unit. With enhanced vapor injection (EVI), the system boosts energy efficiency by up to 17%, making it an ideal solution for India's energy-starved farming regions.

Key highlights:

• Copeland and Ecozen launch solar cold storage to reduce farm-level post-harvest losses.
• Each unit cuts 22 tons of CO₂ and boosts energy efficiency by 17%.
• Cold rooms run off-grid, ensuring uptime even during monsoons and low sunlight.

The cold rooms, supported by solar and thermal energy storage, provide uninterrupted operation during monsoons and low sunlight periods—critical for protecting perishables like dragon fruit, which can now be sold at 4x the off-season price.

“Copeland’s technology has enhanced Ecozen’s solar cold storage systems, enabling farmers to minimize post-harvest losses and maintain crop freshness even in remote locations,” said Jagadish Keswani, President, Copeland India, Middle East & Africa.

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Alok Nikhade, AVP of Technology, Ecozen, added, “The updated system not only improves crop preservation but also supports higher incomes by extending market viability and reducing spoilage.”

This innovative cold chain solution showcases how decentralized solar technology and sustainable refrigeration are reshaping India’s agri-infrastructure and farmer resilience.