Co-op has announced the completion of an ambitious solar panel project at its largest regional distribution centre in Bedfordshire, which serves more than 600 stores across the south of England.

The 660,000sqft depot, located in Biggleswade, has been equipped with approximately 6,744 solar panels as part of Co-op’s journey to increase the amount of renewable power that it directly procures.

The newly installed solar panels are expected to generate 2,500 MWh of renewable energy annually to help power the depot’s operations. The project reflects Co-op’s bold ambition to lead the charge in businesses investing in renewable energy and to continue the global fight against climate change.

Additionally, the solar panels at the consumer co-operative’s largest depot will alleviate demand on the national grid and help drive Co-op’s commitment to become Net Zero across its own operations by 2035.

Heather Thomas, Group Property & Sustainability Director at Co-op, said: “The completion of the solar panel installation at our Biggleswade depot is a landmark moment for Co-op. This initiative underlines our dedication to sustainability and demonstrates how businesses can make impactful changes to protect the planet.

“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.

“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.”

James Charlesworth, Director – Asset Management, at Tritax Big Box said: “This installation of 6,744 solar panels demonstrates Co-op’s ambitious approach to reducing its emissions and wider carbon footprint. The 2,500 MWh of electricity generated will make a meaningful contribution to meeting Co-op’s energy needs. This forms part of our broader ESG strategy, as we are working closely with a number of our clients to install solar PV, enhancing building efficiency and supporting their journeys towards net zero.”

Co-op 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, which is essential not only in tackling climate change but also for energy security and therefore national security.

The news of the solar power project at the depot follows on from the announcement of Co-op’s plans to install solar panels on a target of up to 700 sites across its food, funeralcare and logistic portfolio over the next three years.

Furthermore, Co-op has supported the launch of a solar farm in Cambridgeshire – made possible by Co-op’s signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA) – and secured an additional 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.

Co-op has committed to reaching net zero across its operations by 2035 and entire business by 2040. 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). In its updated Climate Action Plan, Co-op further committed to sourcing renewable energy via corporate PPAs and investing in supporting suppliers and producers to reduce absolute carbon emissions.