A Global Call for Action on Energy-Efficient Cold Chains
Highlighting the critical need for sustainable and energy-efficient cold chain infrastructure in Africa and India, Danfoss, a company specializing in energy-efficient solutions, emphasizes the potential to deliver 30 percent of the energy savings required by 2050 in cold chain and refrigeration. These regions face significant food losses, up to 40 percent, due to inadequate cold chain solutions.
The upcoming 9th annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Nairobi, Kenya, will address the urgent need for global action on energy efficiency, especially in cooling solutions. With cooling demand in India expected to surge by 2030 due to climate change and urbanization, sustainable cold chain solutions are necessary.
The potential for near-zero emission cooling and existing technologies that can reduce emissions significantly is a key focus. Initiatives like the ‘Loss2Value Project’ in Kenya demonstrate the tangible benefits of energy-efficient cold storage for smallholder farmers, thus contributing to food security and environmental stability.
In India, where cooling demand is projected to increase rapidly, efforts are underway to bridge technological and skill gaps, empowering businesses and farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Leveraging renewable energy sources like solar and wind power for cold chain operations is crucial to reducing environmental impact and promoting resilience.