Solar panels project hailed as 'landmark moment'

Almost 7,000 panels have been put on the roof of the Co-op's distribution centre in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire

A supermarket firm has installed almost 7,000 solar panels on the roof of its largest regional distribution centre.

Co-op said the panels on its depot in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire were part of its journey to increase the amount of renewable power that it procures directly.

The approximately 6,744 solar panels are expected to generate 2,500 MWh of renewable energy annually to help power its operations.

Heather Thomas, group property & sustainability director at Co-op, said the project was a "landmark moment" and demonstrated "how businesses can make impactful changes to protect the planet".

Co-op said the solar panels would alleviate demand on the national grid and help its commitment to become net zero across its own operations by 2035

Co-op said the project reflected its ambition to lead the charge in businesses investing in renewable energy and to continue to combat climate change.

The retailer has committed to reaching net zero across its operations by 2035 and entire business by 2040.

Net zero means no longer adding to the total amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

"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" said Ms Thomas.

"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."

The depot in Biggleswade serves more than 600 stores across the south of England

Co-op recently published research with Green Alliance on the role of businesses as energy consumers.

The organisation has previously announced it planned to install solar panels on up to 700 sites across its food, funeral services and logistics portfolio over the next three years.