Tesco has made a significant move to secure solar energy for its operations.
- The deal involves covering electrical needs for 144 large Tesco stores.
- Cleve Hill solar park in Kent will provide sizable renewable energy.
- The agreement marks the UK’s largest corporate solar power purchase deal.
- Tesco aims to advance its carbon neutrality efforts with this initiative.
Tesco has entered a groundbreaking agreement to source a substantial portion of its electricity from solar energy, ensuring sustainable operations across 144 of its large stores. This landmark deal reflects Tesco’s commitment to harnessing renewable energy and advancing sustainability goals.
The contract entails procuring almost two-thirds of the energy output from the Cleve Hill solar park, a £450 million project developed by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners located in Faversham. This initiative is poised to deliver up to 10% of Tesco’s UK electricity requirements over the next 15 years, producing enough energy to power the stores for a full year. The Cleve Hill site is anticipated to be a key player in the UK’s renewable energy sector.
Featuring over 560,000 solar panels and state-of-the-art energy storage systems, Cleve Hill is designed to serve as a significant contributor to the UK’s clean energy supply. EDF will provide power balancing and shaping services to support this large-scale energy operation, facilitating the agreement smoothly.
Construction of the solar park commenced in the previous year with expectations set for operations to begin early next year. This development is characterized as the largest corporate power purchase from a solar farm within the UK.
According to Tesco’s CEO, Ken Murphy, the deal represents a major stride towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 in Tesco’s operations. He stated, “We’re delighted to be announcing such a significant step in our journey towards carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035.” Murphy emphasized the strategic role of energy storage at Cleve Hill, underscoring its essential function in the broader renewable energy strategy across the UK. Such projects exemplify Tesco’s dedication to addressing climate change and innovating in green electricity sourcing.
Over recent years, Tesco has consistently launched numerous energy initiatives, enabling the retailer to draw renewable energy directly from both wind and solar facilities nationwide. With Cleve Hill joining their portfolio, these power purchase agreements are projected to cover 45% of Tesco UK’s and 36% of the group’s electricity demand by 2030.
Tesco’s ambitious solar energy deal highlights its dedication to sustainable practices and enhancing the UK’s renewable energy landscape.
