The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has opened four modular cold storage facilities powered by solar and wind energy in Camarines Sur, alongside a PHP 51.5 million (approximately USD 870,000) slaughterhouse. The cold storage facilities, valued at PHP 45.5 million (approximately USD 770,000), are located in San Jose, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, and Tigaon.
Developed through the DA’s Agricultural and Fisheries Logistics Office (AFLO) in coordination with the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Engineering (BAFE), the cold storage project aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve produce handling and distribution. Potential users include growers of vegetables, pineapple, sweet potato, and other high-value crops.
The hybrid energy system combines 30 solar panels rated at a minimum of 700 W each, a 3 kW wind turbine, a lithium-ion battery bank with at least 160 kWh of capacity, and a 25 kW diesel backup generator. A 15 kW inverter supports the solar installation.
Each standard 40-foot (12.2 m) storage unit measures 12 m (39.4 ft) long, 2.44 m (8 ft) wide, and 2.85 m (9.35 ft) high. The units feature 150 mm (5.9 in) polyurethane insulation and a specified operating temperature range of +1°C to +10°C (33.8°F to 50°F). Washing, processing, loading, and staging areas are incorporated into the facilities.
The cold storage project specifies a structural wind-load target of 350 km/h (217 mph), while the wind turbine is rated for wind speeds up to 315 km/h (196 mph). The new infrastructure and additional agricultural interventions are expected to benefit more than 10,762 farmers, fisherfolk, and food producers across 10 towns in Camarines Sur.
“These facilities are investments in the livelihoods of our farmers, fisherfolk and livestock raisers. By reducing post-harvest losses, improving meat-handling services and connecting local producers to better markets, we can help them earn more from their hard work,” said Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Philippine Secretary of Agriculture.
