TESCO SECURES UK'S LARGEST SOLAR POWER DEAL WITH EDF
Industry NewsSource - reNews - Tesco signs 373MW UK PV PPA
Tesco has secured its largest power purchase agreement (PPA) in the UK to date, partnering with EDF to acquire 65% of the electricity generated by the 373MW Cleve Hill Solar Park. Located on the north Kent coast, Cleve Hill began construction in early 2023 and is expected to be operational by early 2025.
Once up and running, Cleve Hill will produce enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 144 large Tesco stores each year. The site will house over 560,000 solar panels along with energy storage facilities, positioning it as a key player in the UK’s renewable energy efforts. EDF will provide power balancing and shaping services to ensure the smooth execution of the agreement.
Tesco’s 15-year deal marks a milestone, as the company claims it to be the largest solar corporate PPA ever signed in the UK. With the addition of Cleve Hill to its energy portfolio, Tesco's PPAs will account for 45% of the UK operations' electricity needs, or 36% of the company’s projected energy demand by 2030.
Ken Murphy, group chief executive, at Tesco said: "We’re delighted to be announcing such a significant step in our journey towards carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035.
"Cleve Hill solar park, with its ability to generate up to 10% of our UK electricity demand, joins a number of other Power Purchase Agreements we’ve announced over the last five years.
"With its ability to provide vital energy storage infrastructure, it's a key part of the renewable energy strategy in the UK, and further evidence of our commitment to tackle climate change and source green electricity from innovative projects like this."
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