(a) whether the Government is aware that Anna University, Chennai has developed a low cost bio-mass based cold storage system for rural area applications;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to use the technology invented by Anna University for cold storage facility in rural areas;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR)
(a), (b), (c), (d) & (e): Under a R&D project sponsored by the Ministry, Institute for Energy Studies, Anna University, Chennai has developed a laboratory scale model of a biomass based cold storage system. Due to its expected lower electricity consumption, the technology may find application in rural areas also for storage of fruits and vegetables. Further replication of the technology will be possible only after its full techno-economic viability is established at commercial levels.