Demonstration project solar-powered off-grid cold storage

About this project

Mechanisatiebedrijf Tijms B.V. (Tijms) operates in the manufacturing industry and specialises in the development, production, sales, and installation of innovative systems, particularly for agriculture. For several years now, the company has also been active in Africa.Tijms recently developed an innovative, mobile cold storage unit that functions completely autonomously (off-grid) and has been tested and is ready for market introduction. The cold storage unit is suitable for the refrigerated storage of perishable goods such as vegetables, fruit, fish, dairy, or medicines. In Burundi, large parts of the country lack access to grid power or experience frequent and prolonged power outages, which have significant consequences for farms, hospitals, and other areas.Conventional refrigeration solutions often rely on expensive and scarce diesel generators. Furthermore, the country faces enormous food losses, partly due to a significant lack of reliable (off-grid) cold storage. The need for autonomous, fuel-independent refrigeration solutions is high in Burundi.By demonstrating the refrigerated container in Bujumbura for an extended period, it can be demonstrated that the technology functions effectively, is economically viable, and is practically applicable for a wide range of local users.

Published by

Netherlands Enterprise Agency · Government

Countries

Burundi

Sectors

Medical servicesSolar energy for isolated grids and standalone systemsAgricultural servicesAgro-industriesFood security policy and administrative management

Funded by

Netherlands Enterprise Agency

Implemented by

Mechanisatiebedrijf Tijms B.V.

Accountable

Netherlands Enterprise Agency

Published by Netherlands Enterprise Agency to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), last updated 1 Oct 2026 and imported automatically. IATI identifier: NL-KVK-27378529-DHIF25D120.

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