Refrigerated vehicles with TRUs contribute significantly to CO2 emissions, posing an environmental concern.
- Recent research shows TRU-equipped vehicles emit 11% more CO2 than their standard counterparts.
- These vehicles add over 5,600 kilotonnes of CO2 annually, primarily from refrigerated HGVs.
- TRUs are responsible for a substantial increase in ultrafine particle and NOx emissions.
- Efforts are underway to explore alternative technologies to mitigate these emissions.
Recent findings highlight the considerable environmental impact of refrigerated vehicles equipped with transport refrigeration units (TRUs), which emit 11% more CO2 compared to vehicles without these units. This increase contributes to an estimated annual total of over 5,600 kilotonnes of CO2 emissions, with refrigerated heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) being the major contributors. Such data underscores the pressing need for reevaluating the use of these systems in road transport.
Additionally, research by the Zemo Partnership indicates that the emissions of ultrafine particles from TRUs have been revised upwards compared to original estimates. These particles are a significant health concern, especially in areas where vehicles frequently operate near residential and commercial zones. The study also shows that TRUs emit most of the fine particulates and other harmful pollutants rather than the vehicle’s drive powertrain.
The discrepancy in emissions between TRU-equipped vehicles and standard vehicles is further evident in the increase in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. TRUs are shown to produce more than double the NOx emissions and significantly higher particulate mass than what is emitted by the Euro 6 HGVs towing them. This highlights the urgent need for updated technologies or systems to lessen the environmental damage caused by TRUs.
As the world moves towards ecological sustainability, there is a push to find alternative technologies that can effectively power TRUs without the harmful emissions associated with diesel. Zemo Partnership is looking at various options and aims to offer workable solutions by winter. This initiative is part of a broader UK government-funded project to assess the environmental issues posed by non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) and explore sustainable practices.
Emily Stevens, a project manager from Zemo, states, “This latest research confirms that there is a significant issue in terms of emissions arising from the presence of refrigeration units on vehicles, particularly in terms of their impact on local air quality.” The intention is to provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and fleet operators, enabling them to reduce the negative environmental impact of refrigerated transport.
The ongoing research and development efforts aim to create sustainable solutions for reducing emissions from refrigerated vehicles.
