Project 
​Overview

The dairy sector faces critical challenges in milk preservation, with fresh milk spoiling within 3-6 hours after milking if not properly cooled. Current milk collection centers heavily rely on diesel generators, leading to significant environmental damage, high operational costs, and noise pollution. The sector contributes over 8,470 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually from milk chilling operations alone. Additionally, unscheduled generator downtimes result in substantial financial losses for both milk collection centers and farmers, creating an urgent need for reliable and sustainable cooling solutions.

The project implements WE Coolers, a solar-powered Bulk Milk Cooling (BMC) system specifically designed for off-grid dairy farmers. The system features a 3,000-litre BMC capacity powered by a 7.5kW peak solar PV system, ensuring consistent and optimal milk cooling temperatures. This innovative solution serves both off-grid dairy cooperatives and grid-connected farmers seeking to reduce utility costs, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered systems.

The project is currently in its expansion phase, focusing on the deployment of WE Coolers systems across dairy farming regions. The immediate goal is to implement four new WE Coolers systems within the next 12 months, alongside developing marketing strategies and operational capabilities. The project emphasizes sustainable growth and technological advancement in the dairy cooling sector.

The project delivers significant environmental and social benefits, including annual savings of 4.2 tonnes of carbon emissions per installation and substantial reduction in noise pollution by replacing diesel generators (85dB+) with silent solar technology. The solution effectively reduces post-harvest losses through reliable power supply, increasing revenue for farmers and milk collection centers. The project also creates employment opportunities, generating 20 construction jobs and 5 permanent positions per installation, while providing additional community benefits such as lighting and charging facilities.

Key Partners:

• Local dairy cooperatives

• Milk collection centers

• Dairy farmers

• Technical implementation partners

Total Investment Required: 250,000 EUR (for 12 months of operation)

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Funding Allocation:

• WE Coolers Systems (4 units): 160,000 EUR (64%)

• Marketing/Growth: 40,000 EUR (16%)

• Operations: 40,000 EUR (16%)

• Development: 10,000 EUR (4%)

Financial Metrics:

• Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 14%

• Payback Period: 6 years

• Business Model: No upfront costs for users

• Revenue Stream: Constant revenues through service provision

Current Investment Focus: Seeking funding for expansion and implementation of new cooling systems.