Sainsbury’s has announced the opening of its eighth dedicated wind farm site, at Pines Burn in Scotland.
It is the latest to open under an agreement signed with asset management company Capital Dynamics in July 2022, for Sainsbury’s to acquire 100% of the electricity generated by the site.
The site’s seven “state of the art” turbines will generate an estimated 33.6 megawatts of energy, enough to power roughly 8% of Sainsbury’s total electricity needs annually, for at least the next 15 years.
The supermarket has set the target of reaching net zero emissions across its growing 1,400-store footprint and supply chain by 2035, as part of its Plan For Better Strategy. Sainsbury’s said it had been using 100% renewable energy across its estate since the end of 2021.
Like other supermarkets, it has introduced more energy-efficient measures into stores, like sealed chillers, solar panels and more LED lighting.
In January, Sainsbury’s also launched its Smart Charge electric vehicle charging network, becoming the first supermarket to launch its first wholly-owned charging division.
Exclusive deals to secure power from wind farms have become an increasingly common tool for supermarkets in ensuring a guaranteed renewable energy supply. In May, Tesco announced plans to extend its own wind power deal with EDF Energy.
The latest opening follows Sainsbury’s proposals to open 10 new superstores by the end of 2025, after acquiring leaseholds from Homebase in August.
“We’re very proud to be celebrating our eighth wind farm in Scotland, following the completion of Longhill Burn in West Lothian last autumn,” said Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement and EV ventures.
“A state-of-the-art, sustainable source of new wind power, Pines Burn Wind Farm is helping us take another fantastic step towards reducing our reliance on carbon.
“Sainsbury’s was the first UK retailer to start purchasing wind energy directly to power our business back in 2008. Our commitment to the future of Pines Burn, which both enabled its construction and guarantees its long-term viability, builds on our proven track record of investing in sustainable technologies.”
The new site was constructed in partnership with Energiekontor AG, which will manage the site on Sainsbury’s and Capital Dynamic’s behalf.
“We are delighted to partner again with Sainsbury’s, this time on the development of Pines Burn Wind Farm,” said Barney Coles, MD and co-head of clean energy at Capital Dynamics.
“This commitment has been instrumental in bringing a new source of cost-effective, clean energy to the UK’s grid. Strong corporate partnerships like Sainsbury’s are critical for advancing the UK’s position as a global leader in the renewable energy and for meeting national carbon reduction goals.
“We look forward to further collaboration with Sainsbury’s and other forward-thinking companies to accelerate the private sector’s role in the energy transition.”
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