Co-op adds solar panels to biggest distribution centre

Co-op has installed more than 6,500 solar panels at its largest regional distribution centre.

The solar panels installed at the 660,000sq ft depot in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, which serves over 600 across the south of England, are expected to generate around 2,500 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy each year to help power the depot’s operations.

Approximately 6,744 solar panels have been installed, with Co-op saying the project supports its aim to increase the amount of renewable power that it directly procures.

The retailer added that the solar panels at the depot will alleviate demand on the National Grid, as well as help drive Co-op’s commitment to become Net Zero across its operations by 2035 and entire business by 2040.

Co-op added that following this project, it plans to install solar panels on up to 700 sites across its food, funeral care and logistics premises over the next three years.

Heather Thomas, group property & sustainability director at Co-op, said the completion of the solar panel installation is a “landmark moment” for the company and underlines its dedication to sustainability.

“By harnessing renewable energy, we are not only reducing emissions but also setting a strong example of best practice on how sustainable energy can be effectively integrated into day-to-day business operations,” she added. “We believe every business should be playing its part in accelerating the greening of the grid, by reducing energy demand and investing directly in renewable electricity generation.”

Co-op said it has been campaigning for climate justice since 2021 and recently published research with Green Alliance on the role of businesses as energy consumers in the energy transition.

Additionally, the Co-op has previously supported the launch of a solar farm in Cambridgeshire, made possible by its signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA).

The company also secured an agreement to take the entire output of a 34-megawatt solar farm, located in North Yorkshire, which is set to be fully operational next year.

In March 2024, Co-op became the first UK convenience retailer to have its net zero targets validated by the globally-recognised Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The move comes as several UK grocery giants roll out solar panels as part of their energy strategy.

Last week, Aldi announced the rollout of solar panels across a further 90 stores as part of a £7.7 million investment.

The investment, which forms part of the company’s on-site renewable energy programme, will see the fourth largest supermarket install advanced 144 kWp solar systems across 41 stores before the end of 2025.

Earlier this month, Iceland Foods announced it will roll out rooftop solar systems across multiple sites within its retail estate.

The combined energy output of the multiple installations will be up to 10MWp, enough to power approximately 3,000 UK homes, and is expected to save 2,500 tonnes of CO2 annually.