Tesco Ireland has partnered with Enerpower to install more than 2,000 solar PV panels at its stores in Liffey Valley and Naas.
The move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at creating more energy efficiencies across its business.
The solar roof panels will provide just under 20% of the electricity needs of the stores and generate 745,000 KWh of electricity, which will save 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
In total, the two stores will generate enough power annually to run approximately 180 homes.
Speaking at the store in Liffey Valley, Minister of State Jack Chambers said, “For a store of this type, it makes great sense, and I hope to see others follow this lead.
“In addition to providing one fifth of their energy needs, it will also significantly reduce the stores’ carbon footprint and contribute positively to Ireland’s sustainability agenda.”
Renewable Energy
Tesco highlighted that it already sources 100% renewable energy to power its offices, distribution centre, and network of stores.
It also produces energy via a wind turbine at its distribution centre in Donabate, which, per year, generates 1.5 million KWh of electricity, 30% of which feeds back into the National Grid.
Rosemary Garth, director of communications, Tesco Ireland, said, “We are absolutely committed to a more sustainable store model, and we are very excited about what the installation at Liffey Valley and Naas can offer us, in terms of energy savings over time.
“We have already managed to reduce our overall energy consumption as a business by 25%, and we remain focused on our commitment to reach a net-zero target of 2035 for our own operations.”
Climate Action Targets
The company noted that it has made significant progress towards its climate action targets to date, with energy-efficient upgrades taken on refrigeration, lighting and heating systems across its network of 166 stores.
The retailer has also recently begun an electric van trial for its home delivery fleet, from its Bloomfields store in Dun Laoghaire, as part of its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2035.
© 2023 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
