ZECC Cold stores roadmap

In this roadmap we question how the food cold storage sector can decarbonise and rapidly reach net zero. As part of the work, we provide independent reviews of 30 different technologies/strategies that cold stores could apply to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. Scope 1 and 2 emissions are covered which encompass emissions from leakage of refrigerants and emissions from direct fuel and electricity use
The reviews were used to identify the individual technologies/strategies that had the most potential to reduce GHG emissions in food cold stores. Only technologies with a high technology readiness level (TRL) were considered as we wanted to assess what was feasible today. Carbon emissions from many lower TRL technologies were often difficult to quantify and many had very varied application times and the claimed savings often varied widely. Results were presented as potential carbon savings (high/medium/low) and payback time.
Mathematical modelling was then used to assess impacts from 2025 through to 2050 considering changes due to global warming and the electrical grid carbon intensity, as well as the impact of combined technologies/strategies. Two facilities were considered: a frozen and a chilled storage facility. It should be noted that cold stores often have varied operational practices and designs. This means that cold stores should be considered individually and that the cold stores considered in the road map are only examples of the opportunities available to reduce carbon emissions.
For each of the 2 selected facilities we assessed the following scenarios:
1. Do nothing: the impact of changes due to global warming (two climate change scenarios) and changes to the electrical grid carbon intensity were considered.
2. Minor retrofit: shorter term options that could be applied for cold stores that were not due to be replaced in the near future or undergo major refurbishment.
3. Major retrofit: changes that could be applied either following a major retrofit or to a new cold store.
The scenarios were applied to 2 locations in the UK (London and Aberdeen) and the impacts assessed. These two locations were selected for their different climate.
Results from the reviews and modelling identified routes for the cold storage sector to reduce emissions and enabled the creation of a roadmap through to 2050. Overall, it was estimated that it was possible to reach very close to net zero in 2050 in both locations. The application of zero or very low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants was critical to the low carbon emissions achieved. The electrical grid carbon intensity was critical in being able to achieve low emissions in 2050.
Although reducing the carbon intensity of the electricity grid is central to lowering future emissions, achieving net zero will also require energy and emission reducing technologies and strategies to limit overall electricity demand and reduce the scale of generation and grid infrastructure needed as more sectors electrify. All the interventions had contribution to reduce carbon with the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and efficient compressors having the greatest impact. It was also clear that monitoring and control, good maintenance and energy audits were opportunities that should be highlighted and had considerable benefits.