UK-based frozen food retailer Iceland has completed the installation of rooftop solar PVs at its distribution centre (DC) in Livingston, Scotland.
Seed Renewables designed and delivered the 1.5 MW installation for Iceland. Zestec Renewable Energy funded the project under a power purchase agreement, powered by Octopus Energy Generation.
The system comprises 3,300 solar PV panels and is expected to generate approximately 1.6 GWh of renewable electricity each year. The installation is projected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 202 tonnes of CO2e annually, while also lowering energy costs and improving long-term energy resilience for the retailer.
The Livingston DC stores and distributes frozen and ambient products destined for almost 1,000 stores across the UK, and is an important hub in its national supply chain. It will now be able to generate a significant proportion of its electricity on site, reducing reliance on grid electricity while supporting Iceland’s ongoing sustainability strategy.
Through Zestec Renewable Energy, Iceland can benefit from renewable energy generation without upfront capital expenditure.
Graham Ireland, director of energy & maintenance services at Iceland Foods, commented: “Sustainability remains a key focus for Iceland, and this project represents another significant milestone in our journey to reduce carbon emissions across our operations.
“The Livingston DC is a critical part of our UK supply chain network, so maintaining business continuity throughout the project was essential. We were impressed by the professionalism, expertise and collaborative approach demonstrated throughout the delivery programme, which was completed safely and successfully while maintaining day-to-day operations.”
Russ Kelsall, senior project manager at Zestec Renewable Energy, remarked: “The frozen food sector’s energy demand is a prime example of a high static electrical load that can be easily supplemented by solar electricity.”
Brenton Spear, chief operating officer at Seed Renewables, said: “The strong partnership between all stakeholders enabled us to successfully deliver a complex scheme while creating a high-performing renewable energy asset that will provide long-term value.”
Read more about solar projects in UK retail in Green Retail World
[image credit: Iceland]
