Sign in Subscribe
Sustainable development

Shoprite Group Joins Renewable Energy Push with Econet Distributed Power Africa

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Shoprite Group has taken a significant step towards reducing its reliance on traditional energy sources by partnering with Econet Distributed Power Africa (DPA) to install solar panels at stores in three provinces. As part of its vision to go off-grid in the near future, the retailer has chosen DPA to install solar power at its stores in Lichtenburg, Malelane, and Waverly, which are expected to generate over 1,450 MWh of energy annually. This move is in line with the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and adopting sustainable energy solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Shoprite Group has partnered with Econet Distributed Power Africa (DPA) to install solar panels at stores in Lichtenburg, Malelane, and Waverly, which are expected to generate over 1,450 MWh of energy annually.
  • The retailer aims to go off-grid in the near future, with DPA among the renewable energy companies contracted for the installations of solar power.
  • Shoprite Group already generates a significant amount of power from solar, with 12,300 MWh generated following the installation of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels at multiple sites around SA and Namibia.
  • The company joins other businesses that have turned to renewable energy, opting to get off the grid.
  • DPA has begun preparations for solar PV at the three stores and has also installed solar power at other businesses, including Liquid Intelligent Technologies Africa Data Centres, UNESCO, Tanganda Tea Company estates, Anglo American Mines, Econet Wireless telecom towers, and Ecobank.
  • DPA is at an advanced stage of deploying 45MW across large industrial users across its operations in Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Statistics:

  • Shoprite Group aims to generate over 1,450 MWh of energy annually from the solar installations at their stores in Lichtenburg, Malelane, and Waverly.
  • The company already generates 12,300 MWh of power from solar, following the installation of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels at multiple sites around SA and Namibia.
  • DPA has installed solar power at 18 Shoprite Checkers retail stores as part of the group's green building initiative.
  • DPA has engaged commercial and industrial businesses to adopt hybrid clean energy solutions, which has resulted in improved energy resilience, reduced costs, and improved carbon footprints.

Sources:

  • Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Statistics of utility-scale power generation in South Africa 2020 report.

Read more