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Danfoss to develop energy-efficient cold chain infrastructure for Africa & India
Industry News- May 27,24
There is an imperative need for cold chain solutions to cover food production to reduce wastage and loss in countries like India and Africa.
Approximately 14% of the world's food is lost annually due to inadequate refrigeration, an amount sufficient to feed 1 billion people. Danfoss is urging greater focus on establishing sustainable and energy-efficient cold chain infrastructure to address this issue.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, where as much as 40% of food is lost between farms and markets, with two-thirds of this occurring in the initial stage, the necessity for investments in sustainable cold chains becomes even more apparent.
Similarly, in the Indian context, recent findings from a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) study reveal comparable 40% food wastage due to insufficient cold storage solutions. This includes the staggering loss of 30% of fruits and vegetables, left to decay in inadequate facilities.
Addressing these concerns, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 9th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, held in Nairobi, Kenya, will prioritise spurring global action on energy efficiency.
Factors such as increasing temperatures, population growth, urbanisation, and rising incomes are fuelling the demand for cooling. The inaugural Global Cooling Watch Report, introduced at COP28, forecasts a potential tripling of cooling demand by 2050, resulting in a doubling of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the entire annual emissions of the United States.
According to the report, enhancing efficiency in cold chain and refrigeration, through measures like minimum energy performance standards and passive cooling, can contribute to 30% of the required energy savings by 2050, while significantly reducing food loss and waste.
Astrid Mozes, President, Regions, Danfoss says: “The good news is that near zero emission cooling is possible. In fact, emissions in 2050 could be cut by 97% with readily available technology including state-of-the-art energy efficiency. Kenya is one country where sustainable business models and financing solutions are key to delivering sustainable and reliable cold chains.”
Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India, says, “Cooling demand in India is expected to grow 10 times by 2030, given the current climate change and rapid urbanisation, which will in turn generate increased demand for food, water & energy. It is imperative to meet the same through sustainable means to help get us closer to our net zero ambitions. We are facilitating this expansion, by working towards bridging the tech and skill gap, helping farmers and businesses reduce food loss and improve food security in the Indian cold chain.”
Initiatives like the Loss2Value Project in Kenya, launched by Danish Church Aid and Danfoss, exemplify local efforts to establish a secure cold chain. This project aims to cut post-harvest losses by highlighting the tangible benefits of energy-efficient cold storage to smallholder farmers and traders, creating an ecosystem for sustainable business.
In India, leveraging abundant solar and wind power can fuel cold chain infrastructure, reducing dependence on the grid and mitigating the impact of power disruptions. Additionally, adopting sustainable electric transportation can minimise long-term operational costs and environmental footprint.
Through sustainable business models and financing solutions, such initiatives empower Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and farmers to drive positive change. Beyond immediate challenges, they contribute to building a resilient agricultural landscape in Kenya and beyond.
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