In a move towards sustainable energy solutions, Tesco has declared its intention to equip 100 of its UK stores with solar panels over the next three years. 

This strategic initiative aims to harness on-site solar power generation to meet growing electricity demands and counter escalating energy costs.

Powering progress through partnerships

Tesco said the project is part of a broader commitment to power purchase agreements (PPAs) with renewable energy investors. These agreements, both on and off site, are designed to enhance the company's direct generation of renewable electricity.

The company asserted that the first step in this direction is already underway, with its Thetford, UK, store being fitted with more than 1,000 solar panels as part of a PPA with Atrato Onsite Energy. 

Construction on four additional stores is set to commence before the end of 2023, contributing an extra 2GWh of electricity.

Building on solar success

This venture builds on the success of the 40 Tesco stores that currently boast solar panels, generating 10.5GWh of solar electricity in the past year.

As Tesco adopts initiatives such as air-source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, and electric home delivery vans, the demand for renewable electricity has become paramount.

Ken Murphy, group CEO of Tesco, emphasised the urgency of scaling up the use of clean, renewable energy in the face of climate change.

"As we all face into the effects of climate change, scaling up our use of clean renewable energy has never been more important. That’s why we are continuing our work to source green electricity from our own estate, setting out ambitious plans to install solar panels on the roofs of 100 of our large stores across the UK over the next three years - moving us further towards our target to be carbon neutral in our own operations by 2035.”

Driving towards carbon neutrality

The British multinational retailer highlighted that substantial renewable energy output aligns with its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across its operations by 2035.

Furthermore, long-term PPAs, spanning up to 20 years, form a crucial component of Tesco's strategy to secure a sustainable source of renewable electricity.