Lidl Ireland have announced a €1 million contract with Waterford-based Solar Energy Provider, Enerpower
The company has been appointed to install solar panels on a further 10 Lidl store projects over the next 12 months. Lidl Ireland said this means they will now be the largest rooftop solar array owner in the country. That is more than 3,300,000 kwh provided by solar energy at the end of the year
By the end of 2020, Lidl said they have invested almost €4 million in solar panel infrastructure across their store and distribution centre network. Through photovoltaic solar panels on 22 Lidl stores and the retailer’s Newbridge regional distribution centre, enough energy will be generated to power more than 950 Irish homes each year
Lidl previously partnered with Enerpower on the installation of Ireland’s largest ever installation of solar panels at the retailer’s 58,000m2 Newbridge regional distribution centre. Through the new contract with Enerpower and the existing PV solar panel array across Lidl’s store and distribution centre network, Lidl will have invested €4 million in solar energy by the end of 2020.
Carbon intensity
Fergus Sharkey, head of business for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, said:
“SEAI commend Lidl, a member of SEAI’s Large Industry Energy Network and a previous winner of an SEAI Energy Award, for their work in reducing its carbon intensity to date and for their continued ambition with this initiative.
“For Ireland to meet our national energy objectives, large energy users need to be innovative and forward thinking to reduce energy demand and increase renewable energy usage.
He said he hopes Lidl can inspire other companies and individuals to address their own energy consumption and climate impact.
Owen Power, managing director of Enerpower commented saying “Lidl Ireland is a remarkable partner of ours, making significant strides towards more sustainable operations across their retail store and distribution centre network.
“We are delighted to be working with Lidl again to grow and enhance their solar energy capabilities, reducing their carbon footprint, generating significant cost savings and contributing positively to Ireland’s sustainability agenda.”