British experts are in talks with the Indian government and manufacturers to introduce a new cold storage technology in the country in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" initiative, it was announced here Tuesday.
Trials for evaluating "cryogenic energy storage using liquid air or nitrogen" technology developed by British engineers will be rolled out in India within the next three years if the government decides to go forward with the concept, said Tim Fox, head of energy and environment of the Britain-based Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME).
"We have been doing some feasibility studies in India with the national government and we are looking now to do similar things in West Bengal and other states to try to do some trials and pilots in states as well some more feasibility studies at the national level," Fox told the media here.
Fox unveiled an IME report - A Tank of Cold: Cleantech Leapfrog to a more food secure world - which emphasises the need for rolling out cold chains to prevent at least 40 percent of fresh food produce in India rotting.
"If the trials go ahead and the technology is adopted across India as a way forward, then the engines would be manufactured in India," Fox said, asserting it would be important for the 'Make in India' campaign.
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The report said that to provide the cooling of large refrigerated lorry or rail containers "will cost between a fifth and a third of using diesel for the same job".
Noting the National Centre for Cold Chain Development and the National Horticulture Board have shown interest, Fox revealed IME has also brought the idea to the notice of business community to construct air-conditioned "tuk tuks" (resembling autorickshaws) as well.
"It would enable the tuk tuks to have air conditioning and to have cold compartments for food. There are discussions for finding manufacturers for the tuk tuk engines in India as well as the refrigeration units for the trucks and the railway wagons.
"We are looking at a time frame between now and next three years for things on the ground to start while trials would last between now and the next five years, if the government goes ahead with it," he said.
According to Fox, India is well placed to take this opportunity as it has both the LNG (liquefied natural gas) infrastructure and the engineering talent to make it happen.
"The first 3,000 engines would be manufactured by a unit in Britain to show how they are made and that know-how would be transferred to Indians," he said.
