Sustainable Energy Services Afghanistan (SESA)

Afghanistan’s agricultural sector is locked into a cycle of low prices and oversupplied markets due to the lack of cold storage facilities close to the points of production. Many farmers are all producing the same crops in the same locations and trying to find markets at the same time. The oversupply drives prices down, and unsold produce rapidly spoils. The only option, for farmers who can afford to do it, is to ship produce to Pakistan and then buy it back later at double to triple the price.

To address this issue, SESA created off-grid cold storage units using insulated shipping containers equipped with solar PV panels and high-efficiency compressors. These units are assembled in Kabul and transported to the communities, ready for use.

Each cold storage unit is made out of a 20-foot, 784-cubic feet reefer container* and has a compressor, galvanized steel frames, modular and fixed shelving, and battery storage. The unit can be grid-connected or independently powered by solar, wind or hybrid systems. The maximum power demand of these units matches with the time of the year when solar availability is highest, during the summer months. During winter, the units provide safe and dry storage of seed stocks.

Cold storage units give farmers the flexibility to sell their produce immediately or at a later time when market prices are more favorable to them. The return-on-investment is high but other benefits include improved food quality and security.

The economic structure of the project is currently a community-owned model, operated by the Shura or an agricultural cooperative. Profits made from these units go towards maintenance and future expansion of storage capacity. This model can also become a viable income source for private individuals.

*A refrigerated container used for intermodal cargo