Innovative zero-emission transport refrigeration unit for Indian cold chain

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) estimates that 200 million tonnes of perishable produce could

be preserved if developing economies had the same level of cold chain infrastructure as the developed world.

India is currently estimated to loose up to 40% of such produce post-harvest due to inadequate cold chains.

There is a need to urgently address this issue, particularly the lack of transport refrigeration units (TRUs) for the

safe transport of food, but to do so in a way that is sustainable. The Indian National Centre for Cold-chain

Development (NCCD) states that 53,000 additional TRUs are needed simply to catch up with current demand,

excluding any future growth. If this shortfall and future demand is met with 'business as usual' diesel fuelled

TRUs, the environmental and health impacts will be significant. This innovative industrial R&D collaboration will

optimise the proven zero-emission Dearman liquid air fuelled TRU system for the Indian market. The proposed

project will enable the consortium to bring new affordable products to market in an accelerated timescale and

meet the demands of the rapidly expanding Indian cold chain sector with a clean sustainable green technology.