Danfoss, a global leader in engineering solutions, is advocating for increased attention to the development of sustainable and energy-efficient cold chain infrastructure in Africa and India. With approximately 14% of the world’s food lost due to inadequate refrigeration, equivalent to enough food to feed 1 billion people, the need for sustainable cold chains is more crucial than ever.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 40% of food is lost between farms and markets, and in India, where a similar percentage of food gets wasted due to inadequate cold storage solutions, the importance of addressing this issue is evident. The lack of efficient cold chain infrastructure results in significant food loss, particularly in the first mile of distribution.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 9th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Nairobi, Kenya, will emphasize the need for global action on energy efficiency. The increasing demand for cooling, driven by factors like population growth, urbanization, and rising incomes, is expected to triple by 2050, leading to a substantial increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the first-ever Global Cooling Watch Report, driving efficiency in cold chain and refrigeration systems through minimum energy performance standards and passive cooling could deliver 30% of the required energy savings by 2050. This would significantly reduce food loss and waste while also curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
Astrid Mozes, President, Regions, Danfoss, emphasizes the potential of near-zero emission cooling, stating that emissions in 2050 could be reduced by 97% with available technology, including state-of-the-art energy efficiency solutions.
Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India, underscores the importance of sustainable cooling solutions in meeting the growing demand in India, particularly amidst climate change and rapid urbanization.
Danfoss is actively involved in initiatives like the Loss2Value Project in Kenya, which aims to establish a secure cold chain and reduce post-harvest losses by promoting energy-efficient cold storage to smallholder farmers and traders. By leveraging renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, cold chain facilities can reduce reliance on the grid and minimize environmental impact.
Through sustainable business models and financing solutions, Danfoss is empowering small and medium-sized enterprises and farmers to make positive changes in the agricultural landscape. By implementing these initiatives, Danfoss aims to create lasting and resilient impacts, not only addressing immediate challenges but also contributing to long-term sustainability in Africa and India..
