Co-op has completed a major solar installation at its largest UK regional distribution centre in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, equipping the 660,000 sq ft facility with approximately 6,744 solar panels.
The project is expected to generate 2,500 MWh of renewable energy per year, powering operations at the depot which serves more than 600 stores across southern England.
The move is part of Co-op’s wider push to reduce carbon emissions and source more of its electricity directly from renewables.
The installation supports the company’s ambition to reach net zero in its operations by 2035 and across the whole business by 2040.
Heather Thomas, Group Property & Sustainability Director at Co-op, said: “This initiative underlines our dedication to sustainability and demonstrates how businesses can make impactful changes to protect the planet.”
James Charlesworth, Director – Asset Management at Tritax Big Box, added: “The electricity generated will make a meaningful contribution to meeting Co-op’s energy needs.”
The installation follows Co-op’s announcement of plans to install solar panels at up to 700 sites across its food, funeralcare and logistics portfolio over the next three years.
It also builds on recent investments in solar farms in Cambridgeshire and North Yorkshire through power purchase agreements.
Co-op’s climate strategy includes sourcing energy via corporate PPAs and supporting suppliers to cut carbon across its supply chain.
Co-op installs 6,700 solar panels at largest depot appeared first on Energy Live News.