By Eamonn Ryan
Transport refrigeration is a cornerstone of modern food distribution, yet it is also a significant source of emissions and energy consumption.
On a recent episode of the Healthy Spaces podcast, host Dominique Silva invited industry experts to discuss how innovation is transforming this sector. The panel included Claudio Zanframundo, president of Thermo King EMEA, and Renier Du Preez, CEO of Digistics and Advisory Council member of the Global Cold Chain Alliance for Africa. They explored how technology can reduce emissions, improve efficiency and protect food.
Zanframundo highlighted the innovative AxlePower system, a kinetic energy recovery solution developed by Thermo King in collaboration with German axle manufacturer BPW. The system captures the kinetic energy generated when a vehicle slows down or brakes, storing it in a battery to power the trailer’s refrigeration unit. In operational trials across Europe and African routes, the system has recovered more than 30 megawatts of energy over half a million kilometres.
“The concept is simple yet vital,” Zanframundo explained. By using energy that would otherwise be lost, operators can significantly reduce diesel consumption, lower carbon emissions, and maintain a more reliable cold chain. This is particularly important for long-haul operations where refrigeration is constant and fuel costs are high.
Electrification is another key pillar. Thermo King’s E-Series refrigeration units are designed specifically for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). By reducing unit weight by up to 50% compared to previous generations, these units increase payload capacity, reduce energy demand and extend vehicle range. Variable-speed compressors and patented inverter technology further optimise energy efficiency while lowering life-cycle CO₂ emissions.
Digital technology complements these hardware solutions. Real-time tracking enables fleet operators to monitor cargo temperatures and intervene proactively if conditions deviate from preset standards. This reduces spoilage risk, prevents unnecessary waste and strengthens supply chain reliability.
Du Preez provided an African perspective, noting that infrastructure limitations make these technologies even more critical on the continent. Reliable energy supply is not guaranteed in many regions, so innovations that reduce dependence on the grid – such as battery storage and kinetic energy recovery – are both environmentally and operationally strategic.
The conversation emphasised that adoption is as important as innovation. Barriers remain, including upfront cost and range anxiety for electrified fleets. Thermo King is addressing these challenges by shortening payback periods and improving the total cost of ownership, making advanced refrigeration technology viable for operators of all sizes.
For South Africa and Africa at large, kinetic energy recovery and electrification represent more than just efficiency gains. They offer a pathway to sustainable logistics that protects food, reduces emissions and strengthens the resilience of the cold chain in the face of infrastructure challenges.