Food waste is a problem that affects food producers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. Studies show that 30% of all food produced is wasted. This amounts to about 1.3 million tonnes. One of the main reasons this occurs is poor climate control when storing food.
Unfortunately, food waste has far-reaching consequences. Food loss and waste are responsible for about 4% of greenhouse gasses. Tossing food increases the effects of climate change. If food waste were a country, it would be the third highest emitter after China and the US.
With the world’s population expected to surpass 10 billion by 2050, food production will have to increase. Countries will also need to reduce food waste to lower the chances of populations getting starved. Eight hundred eleven million people are hungry, while three billion can’t afford healthy meals. Food systems are already under much pressure due to climate change, inflation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. One of the simplest ways for countries to ensure a sustainable food system is by using solar-powered food storage.
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Why use solar-powered cold storage?
Existing fridges contribute to climate change because they emit hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a type of greenhouse gas. Fridges also require electricity, and many countries still rely on unsustainable ways to produce power. Countries also signed the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol to reduce substances that deplete the ozone layer. This includes phasing out devices that emit HFCs.
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To reduce food waste and enable better food storage, experts suggest cold chains that use renewable energy like solar power. A cold chain is the actions and equipment used to maintain a product at a low temperature from production to the end user.
In 2021, at least 278 million people in Africa went hungry. Many people also don’t have access to fridges or ways to store food safely. Developing countries lose up to 23% of perishable foods before reaching consumers. Uganda loses up to 40% of fresh produce due to a lack of cold storage. Ethiopia loses up to 4% of grains stored yearly after a harvest.
Solar-powered cold storage will reduce emissions, food waste, and land destruction.
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How does solar-powered cold storage work?
Nigeria installed solar-powered cold storage in seven small fruit and vegetable markets. 5.6-kilowatt solar panels power each cold storage. Surplus energy is stored to continue refrigeration at night. The refrigerants also use environmentally friendly propane gas. The temperature is kept at 4℃. The storage can hold up to 20kg of produce.
Cold storage must be installed in markets that aren’t surrounded by high-rises. This could eventually help restore capital lost from food waste. This is because it can enable buyers to pre-order vegetables if they’re guaranteed freshness. Cold storage also maintains the freshness of products like cabbages, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
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Installing cold storage can increase food prices by 15-20%. In this instance, the market price increase led to farmers being paid more for their produce. Cold storage also enabled sellers to store produce for up to 11 days.
Solar-powered cold storage can enable countries to achieve sustainability while meeting the food needs of a market. Similar results have been accomplished in Lake Victoria, Kenya. They help reduce fish loss. Solar farms also provide electricity for the homes nearby.
More installation of solar-powered cold storage can help reduce food waste and ensure that fewer people go hungry. It also reduces the cost of food disposal while saving the environment.
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