INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
ASSOCIATIONS inevitably increase if we can’ t meet these standards,” he notes, urging companies to begin adapting now.
Looking at the financial implications, Du Preez indicates that while current returns on investment for sustainability initiatives might seem bleak, the future cost of electricity and compliance could alter the landscape dramatically.“ With Eskom’ s debt continuing to rise, somebody will have to bear the burden of these costs,” he says.
Du Preez shares how Digistics has begun addressing these challenges. Three years ago, the company made a decisive move toward sustainability, focusing on solar energy and battery storage solutions for its warehouses.“ We were fortunate to have space for solar installations without needing to reinforce our roofs. This strategic investment not only aims to reduce operational costs but also enhances resilience against potential energy supply disruptions.
He urges the importance of peak shaving strategies, explaining that the varying electricity rates charged during off-peak, standard and peak hours heavily impact operational costs.“ Between 6am and 9am we face significantly higher rates, and that ' s where we needed to innovate,” he says.
The integration of solar allows them to harness energy during the day, while the battery system provides power during peak hours, effectively flattening their electricity usage curve.“ By using solar to recharge batteries during the day, we can reduce our reliance on the grid during those expensive peak times,” Du Preez explains.
The impact of these changes is evident in the company’ s financial outlook. What initially appeared as a seven-year payback period on the solar investment has been reduced to as little as three to four years due to the resulting savings on electricity bills.“ This gamble is paying off, and I encourage others in the industry to consider similar solutions,” he notes.
Moving beyond warehouse energy solutions, Du Preez also discusses advancements in their truck fleet. Digistics has begun outfitting vehicles with solar panels and battery units. However, he acknowledges the limitations of this approach, as the solar power generated on the truck isn’ t sufficient to fully recharge the batteries without a reliable grid connection.“ Currently, the vehicles need to be plugged in after their shifts to recharge, which makes the system somewhat reliant on the grid,” he states.
In response to these challenges, Du Preez highlights the development of triaxle technology, which allows vehicles to generate energy as they drive, thereby charging the battery while on the move.“ We have four of these units running, and they are performing well. When they return after a 12-hour shift, the battery levels are typically between 30 % and 39 %,” he explains, noting the potential for even greater efficiency.
Solar power generated on the truck isn’ t sufficient to fully recharge the batteries without a reliable grid connection.
“ We’ ve found that by not relying on the grid, our trucks can maintain a fully charged battery by the time they reach their first delivery,” he explains, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technology. However, he points out that this technology may have limitations for short-distance deliveries, particularly within a 100km radius. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about its applicability for longer routes, which he believes will greatly enhance operational efficiency.
Du Preez advocates for a hybrid approach to energy management, combining grid electricity, solar power and generators.“ Generators can’ t run 24 / 7, but by using solar during the day, we can alleviate some of that burden and reserve generator use for nighttime operations,” he explains.
He expresses optimism about the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. He points to the need for solutions that not only ensure the reliability and quality of food but also address cost concerns in the cold chain sector.“ Africa is an opportunity, and we must leverage it wisely,” he urges.
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We’ ve found that by not relying on the grid, our trucks can maintain a fully charged battery by the time they reach their first delivery.
COLD LINK AFRICA • May 2025 www. coldlinkafrica. co. za 11