PUNE (May 22, 2025) - Copeland, a global provider of sustainable heating, cooling, cold chain and industrial solutions, has partnered with Ecozen to develop an innovative solar-powered cold storage system to benefit rural communities across India. Built with Copeland’s cutting-edge ZBW variable speed compressors and integrated with Ecozen’s solar-powered technology, the combined system enables a wide frequency range, ensuring greater reliability, lower energy consumption, and faster pull-down during peak loads for off-grid cold rooms at the farm level.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 30-40% of total food production is lost before it reaches the market. By driving efforts to safeguard food through an efficient and sustainable cold chain, this groundbreaking solution tackles critical post-harvest challenges and revolutionizes local agricultural practices to ensure perishable food reaches the people that need it.
Since its deployment cross India , this state-of-the-art refrigeration innovation, featuring over 300 Copeland’s variable speed compressors, has achieved a remarkable reduction of approximately 22 tons* of CO₂ emissions (for 5 tons of cold room ). Copeland's variable speed technology coupled with enhanced vapor injection (EVI) improves efficiency by up to 17% *, delivering substantial energy savings through total off-grid operations. Operating primarily on solar power and thermal energy storage allows farmers to significantly lower operational costs. The solar-powered refrigeration technology ensures consistent operation even during periods of low solar intensity or during the monsoon season.
Commenting on the impact of this solution, Jagadish Keswani, president, India, Middle East and Africa for Copeland said, "With the rising demand for perishable goods, quick- and e-commerce infrastructures, the Indian agriculture sector is increasingly dependent on smart refrigeration and storage solutions that are sustainable and energy efficient. Understanding the demand, Copeland has enhanced Ecozen’s solar cold storage rooms, helping farmers reduce food waste and sustain produce quality. Our ZBW variable speed compressors deliver exceptional reliability and energy savings, ensuring continuous refrigeration even during low solar intensity.”
The solar-powered refrigeration system is particularly beneficial in the first mile of the agricultural ecosystem, rapidly cooling and preserving crops post-harvest. For instance, dragon fruit stored in these units can be sold for four times the off-season price, increasing farmers' profitability.
Alok Nikhade, AVP – Technology for Ecozen added, "As the demand for sustainable solutions in agriculture grows, this partnership with Copeland has significantly enhanced the capabilities of our solar cold room system solution. Together, technology allows farmers to efficiently preserve crops, reduce waste, and extend shelf life—ultimately boosting their income. Through renewable energy, we are driving the future of Indian agriculture toward sustainability and economic prosperity."
This revolutionary solution transforms post-harvest practices, enhancing crop preservation and providing a sustainable way to improve farmers' livelihoods. Moreover, the compressor and vapor injection sub-assembly weight has been reduced by up to 15%, making the system more compact and significantly enhancing user convenience.
Learn more about Copeland’s variable speed solutions at Copeland.com.
*Data is sourced from customer measurements and calculations; actual results may vary depending on circumstances.
###
About Copeland
Copeland is a global leader in sustainable heating, cooling, cold chain and industrial solutions. We help commercial, industrial, refrigeration and residential customers reduce their carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. We address issues like climate change, growing populations, electricity demands and complex global supply chains with innovations that advance the energy transition, accelerate the adoption of climate friendly low GWP (Global Warming Potential) and natural refrigerants, and safeguard the world's most critical goods through an efficient and sustainable cold chain. We have over 18,000 employees, with feet on the ground in more than 40 countries - a global presence that makes it possible to serve customers wherever they are in the world and meet challenges with scale and speed. Our industry-leading brands and diversified portfolio deliver innovation and technology proven in over 200 million installations worldwide. Together, we create sustainable solutions that improve lives and protect the planet today and for future generations. For more information, visit Copeland.com
Contacts
Soumya Devrani
Allison Worldwide
Soumya.Devrani@allisonworldwide.com
+91 63952 55409