Tesco to source energy directly from wind and solar farms

The drive, backed by Tesco’s sustainability partner WWF, is part of the grocer’s push to use 100 per cent renewable electricity across the group by 2030 and will save 90,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

The scheme, described by Tesco as the biggest of its kind in UK retail, includes the creation of five onshore wind farms and one solar farm and will create more than 400 new jobs in the UK renewables industry.

The solar panels will help Tesco towards its group-wide ambition of generating 10% of the electricity it uses on its premises by 2030.

Tesco UK and Ireland chief executive Jason Tarry said: “Our supply chain and long-term business sustainability depend on the health of the natural environment. This project represents a major milestone.”

WWF climate change specialist Seán Mallon said: “As part of our long-term partnership, WWF will be supporting Tesco to accelerate this ambition. All businesses must act with increased ambition and urgency to reduce emissions and end our contribution to climate change. We are the last generation who can stop this crisis from becoming a catastrophe.”

Tesco will work with energy suppliers including EDF and Scottish Power on the wind and solar farms. Three onshore sites have been confirmed: Burnfoot East, Inverclyde and Halsary – all in Scotland.