Cold chain goes solar

The cold chain industry is undergoing a major transformation as electric reefers – powered by solar energy, batteries, and regenerative braking – begin to replace traditional diesel systems. 

In Australia, continental Europe and the UK, innovative trials and commercial rollouts are proving that sustainable refrigerated transport is both viable and already working.

Australia’s first solar e-axle reefer hits the road

Australia is making strides with its first solar-powered e-axle reefer, trialled in Queensland.

Owned by Quality Transport Refrigeration Services (QTRS) and built by Schmitz Cargobull, the unit was locally adapted by TMC Australia to meet national road regulations and is equipped with a SolarEdge e-axle technology and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries refrigeration unit.

The system captures energy through regenerative braking, converting kinetic energy into electricity stored in a high-capacity battery.

Solar panels also help keep the battery charged – even when idle – allowing the Mitsubishi unit to run autonomously without drawing power from the truck.

QTRS says the system has shown no noticeable impact on the truck’s fuel consumption, with the ability to operate independently, reduce operational costs and maintain reliable temperature control.

A working example was displayed at the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show in Brisbane recently.

QTRS customer relations manager Nim Koy said that following four days of “sunbathing” at the Brisbane event, followed by a 1600km trip back to Melbourne the trailer “outperformed what was expected”.

This debut is expected to serve as a launching point for broader adoption of the technology in Australia.

QTRS advises that “learnings from the trials will allow the project partners to build on this technology and offer trailers featuring axles with motive power capabilities to the Australian market, pending future regulatory changes”.

Europe’s first fully electric solar reefer trailer

Netherlands-headquartered TIP Group has introduced its first fully electric reefer trailer, known as the Powered Trailer, which like the QTRS unit was developed in collaboration with SolarEdge and Mitsubishi. 

It combines a solar roof, energy recuperation axle, and onboard battery storage to power its refrigeration system independently of diesel or even grid electricity.

The system’s solar roof powers the refrigeration unit and can cover up to 120 per cent of the reefer’s energy needs, depending on sunlight, temperature, and usage patterns while the energy recuperation axle captures kinetic energy during braking and converts it into electricity, storing it in a high-capacity battery.

It means the refrigeration unit can run when external power sources are unavailable, providing an energy-efficient, temperature-controlled transport.

TIP Group vice president of sales and marketing Rogier Laan said the company wants to “lead the innovation change to zero-emission temperature-controlled transport with reefer trailers, with no limitations to viable solutions”.

The reefer is currently being tested in daily operations by Zippel Group. Early results show that it could cut operational costs by up to 50 per cent, depending on fuel and electricity prices, with a potential return on investment within two to four years.

SolarEdge senior sales and project management director Pavel Gilman said the use of multiple energy sources can “reduce reliance on battery capacity alone, lowering costs and increasing operational hours”.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Head of Development Gunnar Hilge said the company’s refrigeration unit is “designed with highly efficient inverter technology to ensure that no energy is wasted”.

“By integrating multiple power sources, we are creating a refrigeration solution that is both cost-effective and fully sustainable.”

Challenges for European Rollout

While the reefer’s performance has been promising, TIP Group faces some regulatory roadblocks. For instance, the energy recuperation axle is not yet approved for registration in the Netherlands.

“Despite being an early adopter of sustainable transport, the Netherlands has yet to finalise legislation allowing registration of these axles,” said Mr Laan.

TIP expects this issue to be resolved by the second quarter of 2025, but in the meantime, it is focusing on more receptive markets.

Electricity costs in countries like Germany may also delay uptake, making the reefer’s solar and kinetic self-sufficiency all the more important.

As Mr Gilman explained: “Many fleet operators are still cautious about transitioning to new technology due to concerns about cost and operational impact.”

Birds Eye rolls out solar reefers in the UK

Frozen food brand Birds Eye has deployed two solar-powered reefers in Britain, working in collaboration with DFDS and clean-tech startup Sunswap. 

Replacing diesel-powered refrigeration with solar panels and Sunswap’s battery technology, the systems are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 24 tonnes annually.

The reefers will operate on a regular route between Birds Eye’s Lowestoft plant and its Wisbech distribution centre, handling thousands of tonnes of frozen food each year.

Birds Eye’s reefers are powered primarily by solar, with up to 80 per cent of the energy required for refrigeration coming directly from the panels mounted on the trailer’s roof.

The remaining energy is supplied by onboard batteries so the cooling system can maintain the necessary temperature for frozen food transport in low sunlight conditions and operate autonomously, cutting down on the reliance on diesel and reducing both emissions and operational costs.

“We’re delighted to be working with DFDS and Sunswap to help reduce the environmental impact of our operations,” said Birds Eye UK & Ireland general manager Shaun Smith.

“Sunswap’s proven electric technology enables us to maintain the highest standards of temperature-controlled transport while helping reduce our carbon emissions.”

Emphasising the technology’s potential to reduce both cost and emissions, Sunswap CEO Michael Lowe said working with a household brand like Birds Eye  “confirms that our British-engineered and manufactured system not only matches the performance and reliability needed for temperature-critical food transport but goes further by reducing direct emissions and helping cut operating costs”.

A global shift in cold chain logistics

Together, these projects signal a growing global consensus that refrigerated transport can go electric. 

While infrastructure, legislation, and upfront costs still pose challenges, the benefits in fuel savings, emissions reductions, and operational autonomy are attracting attention.

“The technologies required to make a quantum leap in sustainable logistics are already available,” said Mr Gilman. “The question is not if, but when.”

TIP Group is urging fleet operators to move early. 

“The best advice for fleet operators is to start now,” said Mr Laan.

“The transition to all-electric solutions takes time and effort, but early adopters will gain invaluable experience and cost benefits.”