3rd TAGRA

Damage to the electrical grid and disruptions to transportation networks during disasters lead to significant losses in cold-chain-dependent food products. Items such as dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and baby food spoil rapidly when appropriate temperature conditions cannot be maintained. This situation results in both the waste of aid resources and a compromise in the food security of the affected population. In current disaster logistics practices, refrigeration infrastructure relies heavily on diesel generators, a reliance that increases dependence on fuel supplies and exacerbates negative environmental impacts. This study aims to examine the design principles and operational suitability of renewable energy-powered mobile cold storage units intended to reduce food loss in disaster zones. The study proposes evaluating modular cold storage units—supported by solar energy and battery storage systems—based on criteria such as capacity, energy efficiency, portability, and setup time. The methodology combines a systematic literature review with a comparative analysis of selected disaster cases, focusing particularly on the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Additionally, site selection factors, specifically the pre-positioning of storage units within disaster zones and their proximity to demand points are addressed. The study is expected to demonstrate that these systems can mitigate food spoilage, reduce fuel dependency, and strengthen logistical continuity. However, limitations such as high initial investment costs, seasonal variations in energy efficiency, and operational capacity constraints will also be discussed. It is anticipated that the study will contribute to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals—specifically the goals of Zero Hunger, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Responsible Consumption and Production—in alignment with these objectives. Consequently, it aims to offer policy and implementation recommendations directed at these goals.