Dr.-Ing. Adrián Valverde is the Director of R&D and ESG at Grupo Primafrio, the leading European logistics and transportation company specialized in temperature-controlled freight and a fleet over 3,000 trucks in 27 countries. With a robust background in industrial engineering, renewable energy, and organizational management, Adrián has over 7.5 years of experience driving innovation and sustainability in the logistics sector. His role is focused on managing large-scale technological projects, leading cross-functional teams, and executing the company’s decarbonization and ESG strategies.
As part of the ZEFES project, Adrián plays a crucial role in advancing the development of zero-emission freight vehicles, collaborating with international partners to integrate cutting-edge technologies in the logistics industry. His leadership in sustainable mobility and innovation aligns closely with ZEFES’s mission of reducing emissions and fostering a greener transportation sector across Europe with the most competitive green infrastructure.
What was your original motivation to become a researcher/project manager?
“My original motivation to become a researcher and project manager was driven by the vision of positioning Primafrio as the undisputed leader in the logistics and transportation sector, not only in terms of operational excellence but also as a pioneer in technological innovation and sustainability. I saw the potential for Primafrio to take a leading role in Europe, advocating for the industry with a strong and clear voice, committed to driving the technological development and economic levers that would accelerate the sector’s transition towards zero-emission solutions. By leading and participating in initiatives like ZEFES, my goal has always been to ensure that Primafrio is at the forefront of this shift, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to reduce emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. This leadership position is crucial for influencing the future direction of the transportation industry across Europe, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic growth.”
What is your (main) research area today?
“My main research area today focuses on ensuring the precise technological definition of zero-emission freight solutions, leveraging our extensive operational and logistical experience. This allows us to contribute to the excellence in real-world demonstrations, showcasing zero-emission operations under real loading conditions. By aligning advanced technology with practical application, we aim to accelerate the transition towards sustainable transportation in the logistics sector.”
What is the main focus of your team in ZEFES?
“The main focus of my team in the ZEFES project is to prioritize the development and execution of the project as it serves as the key to unlocking the real deployment of the necessary infrastructure for zero-emission freight. Our objective is to ensure that ZEFES becomes a tangible solution, from the initial technological definition to the demonstrative use cases, showcasing how zero-emission transportation can be implemented effectively in real-world logistics operations. This project is critical to accelerating the transition to sustainable freight transportation across Europe.”
From all your activities within the project, what are you the most proud of/keen to share with the public?
“What I am most proud of within the ZEFES project is the proactive communication and coordination among the various partners and OEMs. The logistics sector has traditionally been reactive to change and slow to adopt cutting-edge innovations. However, this project is successfully aligning all key stakeholders across the supply chain, from farmers to end customers, to work collaboratively toward a shared vision of zero-emission transportation. Seeing this collective effort and commitment to change in an industry that has been historically resistant is incredibly rewarding.”
How do you expect the ZEFES results will impact your organisation and the transport sector in Europe?
“I expect the ZEFES results to have a transformative impact on both Primafrio and the wider European transport sector by significantly accelerating the transition to sustainable logistics. With a deep conviction that new technologies and alternative fuels, once properly aligned and supported with financial, operational, and intelligent resources, hold immense and unstoppable potential in this shift, ZEFES will demonstrate that these innovations can deliver competitive TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment). This will provide both economic and operational guarantees, making zero-emission solutions not only environmentally necessary but also commercially viable.”
