Solar e-reefers: a new era in cold-chain decarbonisation

With the deployment of novel reefer solutions, the cold-chain transport sector may well be experiencing a turning point in decarbonisation, as JULIA TEW reports.

The global cold chain is entering a period of rapid expansion and escalating climate implications. Food cold-chain systems already account for an estimated 4% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, driven by energy-intensive cooling technologies, high-impact refrigerants and conventional transport fuels. These emissions are expected to increase sharply as population growth, rising living standards, e-commerce logistics and new cooling infrastructure fuel demand.

The world’s refrigerated vehicle fleet, for example, is projected to grow from under three million units in 2013 to over 15 million in 2026, underscoring the scale and speed of this transformation. Without decisive intervention, the environmental impact of keeping goods cold will only intensify.

Refrigerated transport is one of the fastest-growing segments in the broader cooling industry, with annual growth of up to 5.1% forecast through 2030. This acceleration reflects increased food production, the rising consumption of perishables and the cold chain’s expanding role in safeguarding temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

Global experts caution that even these growth estimates fall short. In many developing countries, cold-chain capacity remains insufficient end-to-end: from pre-cooling and storage facilities to transport, retail and trained technicians to keep systems running reliably. As nations strive to ensure food security, meet development targets and expand access to life-saving medical products, the challenge is twofold: to rapidly grow cooling capacity while simultaneously decarbonising it. That’s where emerging technologies like solar-powered electric reefers could catalyse a pivotal shift.

Pioneering partnerships in Europe

At the 2025 IAA Transportation exhibition in Germany, European trailer-leasing specialist TIP Group revealed the Powered Trailer, a pioneering fully-electric reefer trailer powered by a trio of renewable energy sources: solar panels, battery storage and kinetic energy recovery from the trailer axle. Built in partnership with SolarEdge e-Mobility and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries – Thermal Transport Europe, the unit is being trialled through Zippel Fresh and is designed to cut emissions and operating costs while easing the transition to greener logistics. Regulatory approval for energy-recuperation axles is still pending in some EU countries.

The system’s solar roof can supply anywhere from 20 to 120% of the refrigeration unit’s energy needs depending on route, temperature and sunlight availability. An energy-recuperation axle captures kinetic energy during transit (especially braking), while a high-capacity battery ensures steady power delivery. All components support the fully-electric Mitsubishi TEF1500 refrigeration unit, which uses efficient inverter technology to eliminate the diesel engine typically found on reefer trailers.

Sono Solar’s solution for refrigerated vehicles was recently awarded the European Transport Prize for Sustainability 2026. The automotive-grade solar modules are coupled with a high-voltage solar charging system that generates energy directly in the vehicle, improving range, CO₂ balance and operating costs – without any changes to the driving profile or infrastructure.

Receiving attention at Solutrans this year was the SORSun Trailer from SOR Iberica – the first 100% electric, multi-temperature refrigerated semi-trailer integrating robust solar technology to recharge Thermo King’s EnergE Pack high-voltage battery.

While such innovation looks impressive in Europe, the technology becomes even more compelling when viewed alongside developments in Southern Africa, where one retailer has already moved from pilot to fleet-scale deployment.

SA’s cold chain goes electric and emissions-free

Woolworths SA and DP World launched Africa’s first Thermo King AxlePower trailer in January 2024. The AxlePower system, developed by Thermo King in partnership with BPW, captures kinetic energy from the trailer’s movement and stores it in a high-voltage battery. This battery then powers the refrigeration unit independently of the truck’s engine, allowing cooling to be 100% electric and producing zero emissions from the trailer.

Operating these units on long-haul routes – typically Johannesburg to Cape Town, and sometimes into Namibia – has provided compelling evidence of reliability under African conditions. Temperature extremes, long distances and mixed road surfaces have done little to hinder performance. By late 2025, the fleet had grown to 16 trailers, up from an initial single unit. With 12 units in operation over the past year, Woolworths estimates a reduction of 102 tonnes of carbon emissions, with more savings expected as the fleet expands toward its target of 21 AxlePower trailers by June 2026.

This initiative forms part of the retailer’s Vision2025+ strategy and its commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. For the cold-chain sector, it demonstrates that fully-electric refrigerated trailers are not only workable in Africa, but are already delivering measurable environmental and operational benefits.

A global trend finds local traction

When viewed together, these solar-assisted trailer systems signal a broader industry shift. Reefer technology is evolving rapidly away from diesel-driven units and toward smart, multi-source, energy-efficient solutions. Solar capability adds a dimension that aligns well with the needs of high-sunlight regions, while axle-generated power proves that electric reefers can thrive in demanding, long-haul conditions.

This convergence suggests that solar roofs, high-capacity batteries and energy-recovery axles may form the optimal configuration for fleets across Sub-Saharan Africa. With diesel prices remaining volatile and sustainability targets tightening, the business case for such systems is strengthening.

For fleet operators, the implications are significant. These technologies show that real-world reliability is no longer a barrier; long-term operating costs can be meaningfully reduced, particularly as solar and regeneration systems offset electricity requirements. As Denis Azhar, managing director at Sono Solar, notes: “Solar on commercial vehicles is no longer an experiment, but a practical lever for measurable sustainability in everyday fleet operations.”

The future looks cool

The refrigerated-trailer revolution is no longer a distant prospect, nor a purely European one. With Woolworths and DP World rapidly scaling their AxlePower fleet and global innovators filling the reefer pipeline, the cold-chain future for Southern Africa looks cleaner, quieter and more efficient.

As the world races to decarbonise the cold chain, early adopters stand to position themselves as sustainability leaders – and gain a decisive competitive edge.