The Shoprite Group has installed three new rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that will generate 1.9 GW of electricity at its Canelands distribution centre in KwaZulu-Natal.
The system’s electricity is the equivalent of that which could be used to power more than 350 households for a year.
Africa’s largest retailer has boosted the capacity of its solar PV systems by 36.5% since 2022 under its accelerated solar rollout programme – extending to 76 sites and easing pressure on the national electricity grid.
Over the same period, the group nearly doubled the use of clean energy in its operations, which now accounts for 5.8% of its electricity sourcing.
“Solar PV plays a pivotal role in our strategy to mitigate climate change, and we are committed to expanding our use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency to reduce indirect greenhouse gas emissions,” said Shoprite Group Corporate Social Investment head of sustainability Sanjeev Raghubir.
“Our LED lamp replacement project, for example, has resulted in electricity consumption being reduced by 161 million kWh. These solar installations strengthen the resilience of our operations and supply chain as we work towards a sustainable future,” he said.
