Tesco has partnered with renewable energy solutions provider Greenvolt Next Ireland to significantly boost its solar energy capacity at its larger stores across the country.
The retailer plans to install solar panels at 24 sites by the end of 2025, generating more than 6MW of green electricity, with 5MW coming from its partnership with the renewable firm.
The solar installation, along with other smaller projects at Tesco Ireland’s stores, will enough clean electricity to power around 1,150 homes every year.
More than 2,000 solar panels have so far been installed at Tesco Extra stores in Liffey Valley and Naas, while the latest phase saw solar panel installations completed at Tesco Extra stores in Dundalk, Clearwater and Arklow and at Superstores in Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballybeg.
Speaking at the Tesco Extra Store in Dundalk, Climate, Environment and Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien said: “It’s a very positive step forward to see Tesco harnessing the massive potential of solar energy to provide cheaper, green energy for their larger stores.
“This will without a doubt significantly reduce the stores’ carbon footprint and contribute in a very positive way to Ireland’s sustainability agenda.”
A wind turbine at Tesco’s Distribution Centre at Donabate also generates 1500 MWh of electricity each year, of which 30% feeds back to the national grid.
Geoff Byrne, CEO at Tesco Ireland added the retailer is “fully committed” to being carbon neutral in its own operations by 2035.
He said: “Having on-site renewable energy generation is a key part of that plan.
“We are delighted to have the endorsement of Minister Darragh O’Brien for this important initiative and with Greenvolt Next Ireland’s support, we will significantly boost our total renewable energy generation while reducing demand on the national electricity grid.”
