Refrigerators

Refrigerators and freezers cool food, medicine, and other temperature-sensitive goods. They reduce food waste by slowing the growth of bacteria—and let us enjoy cold treats on even the hottest days.

The first successful mass-market electric refrigerator was invented in the United States in 1913.³ Since then, fridges have improved public health⁴ by reducing foodborne illnesses caused by consuming spoiled food, as well as by enabling the distribution of vaccines and medications.

How do refrigerators work?

Fridges keep things cool by removing heat from the air within an enclosed space. To achieve this, they move a chemical known as a refrigerant through a series of physical elements that turn it from a liquid to a gas while raising and lowering its pressure. This process allows the refrigerant to absorb heat on the appliance’s interior and shed it on the exterior.

Where are refrigerators used?

Today, fridges are critical resources in settings ranging from homes and hospitals to farms and factories.

However, many people in the world still don’t have access to fridges. Globally, 78% of the population owns a refrigerator, but these appliances are unevenly distributed.⁵ While nearly all households in Europe and North America have one, ownership rates in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are much lower. In India, for example, only one in four households owns a fridge.⁶

Fridge access has improved markedly in some parts of the world in recent decades. In China, ownership grew from roughly 24% in 2004 to roughly 88% in 2014.⁷

What’s the climate impact of refrigerators?

Refrigerators generate greenhouse gas emissions in two ways: indirect and direct. They produce indirect emissions if the electricity used to power them is generated by burning fossil fuels. (According to the International Institute of Refrigeration, domestic refrigerators and freezers alone consume almost 4% of global electricity.⁸) They also generate emissions directly through refrigerants, many of which are extremely potent greenhouse gases. When fridges are thrown away, these chemicals can leak into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Fridge design can significantly reduce emissions from both sources. Indirect emissions can be tackled through better insulation, which helps stop heat from entering the chilled area, meaning less energy is required to remove it. Incorporating technologies like LED lighting and smart sensors also reduces the amount of electricity required to run fridges.

Meanwhile, switching to refrigerants with lower global warming potential greatly reduces their direct emissions.

Why are refrigerators important for sustainable development and climate adaptation?

In places without a reliable electric grid, refrigerators can be powered by the sun. Solar refrigerators can bring a host of life-changing benefits to first-time fridge owners. In addition to reduced food waste and improved food security, they can lead to higher incomes (for example, when shopkeepers use them to sell cold drinks), better health outcomes, and reduced drudgery, particularly for women.

Despite their potential, solar refrigerators are still nascent in emerging economies. High upfront costs remain one of the biggest barriers to widespread uptake. Maintenance and upkeep add additional challenges, as there’s a shortage of trained technicians who can install, repair, and maintain these appliances.