Solar-powered refrigerators to cut food spoilage in developing countries

Nigerian invention NColdHubs is the first refrigeration system designed specifically for off-grid areas. The design employs rooftop solar panels that can generate enough electricity to power the units in all weather conditions while providing reliable 24/7 autonomous refrigeration.

ColdHubs currently serves 3,517 farmers and fishermen, with a rental cost of about €0.85 a day on a pay-as-you-go subscription model. The company has so far installed 24 Hubs in Africa and employed 48 women to service the refrigerators.

ColdHub fridges can extend the life of fruits and vegetables from two to 21 days. This has saved over 20,000 tons of food from spoilage and increased vendor and farmer profits by 25 per cent on average, says Nnaemeka C. Ikegwuonu, the innovator behind the company. In the Kano region of Nigeria, where almost every second child is vitamin A deficient, a 35 per cent reduction in postharvest loss of tomatoes would result in additional availability of Vitamin A for up to 1.1 million Nigerian children per day. 

Springwise

SOLAR-POWERED REFRIGERATORS TO CUT FOOD SPOILAGE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES