Tesco significantly advances its renewable energy strategy in the UK.
- The retail giant secures power for 144 stores from Cleve Hill Solar Park.
- This strategic deal marks the largest UK corporate solar power agreement.
- The Cleve Hill project will cover 10% of Tesco’s UK electricity needs.
- Tesco aims for carbon neutrality in its operations by 2035.
Tesco has made a substantial leap towards enhancing its renewable energy footprint by securing a remarkable solar power agreement. The deal ensures that 144 of its large stores will now be powered by solar energy, sourced from the Cleve Hill Solar Park in Kent. This development reflects Tesco’s strategic move to integrate more green electricity into its operations, underpinning its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Spearheaded by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, the £450 million Cleve Hill project will deliver almost two-thirds of its generated electricity to Tesco. This arrangement signifies the largest corporate power purchase deal for a solar farm within the United Kingdom. The project, comprising over 560,000 solar panels, will significantly contribute to the UK’s renewable energy landscape, enhancing the nation’s green energy capacity.
With constructions already underway and completion expected by early next year, the Cleve Hill initiative is pivotal to Tesco’s plan, providing up to 10% of its overall electricity needs in the UK over the next 15 years. Further, the inclusion of energy storage infrastructure will reinforce the reliability and efficiency of the supply, facilitated by EDF’s power balancing and shaping services, ensuring consistent delivery.
According to Tesco CEO Ken Murphy, this landmark deal is a considerable stride in the company’s overarching goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its operations by 2035. He emphasised the importance of such projects in the broader renewable energy strategy within the UK, reiterating Tesco’s dedication to addressing climate change by sourcing renewable energy from innovative projects.
Tesco has, over the past five years, embarked on numerous renewable energy initiatives, acquiring green electricity from both wind and solar sources nationwide. Ultimately, through these power purchase agreements, Tesco aims to meet 45% of its UK electricity demand, or 36% of its overall group demand, with renewable energy by 2030.
Tesco’s solar energy acquisition from Cleve Hill Solar Park marks a transformative step in its renewable energy agenda, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices.
