UK retailer Co-op has announced the completion of a solar panel project at its largest regional distribution centre, which serves more than 600 stores across the south of England.

The 660,000 sq ft depot, located in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, has been equipped with approximately 6,744 solar panels as part of Co-op’s aim to increase the amount of renewable power that it directly procures.

The newly installed solar panels are expected to generate 2,500 MWh of renewable energy annually to help power the depot’s operations. Co-op said the project reflected its ambition to invest in renewable energy and combat climate change.

“We are not only reducing emissions but also setting a strong example of best practice on how sustainable energy can be effectively integrated into day-to-day business operations.”

Heather Thomas, group property and sustainability director at Co-op, said: “The completion of the solar panel installation at our Biggleswade depot is a landmark moment for Co-op. This initiative underlines our dedication to sustainability and demonstrates how businesses can make impactful changes to protect the planet.

“By harnessing renewable energy, we are not only reducing emissions but also setting a strong example of best practice on how sustainable energy can be effectively integrated into day-to-day business operations.

“We believe every business should be playing its part in accelerating the greening of the grid, by reducing energy demand and investing directly in renewable electricity generation.”

The news of the solar power project at the depot follows on from the announcement of Co-op’s plans to install solar panels on a target of up to 700 sites across its food, funeralcare and logistic portfolio over the next three years.