Lidl adds 1.7 MW of rooftop solar at Belgian distribution site

German discount supermarket chain Lidl has equipped its distribution centre in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, with a 1.73-MW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) plant.

The project was implemented in line with Lidl’s goal to source at least 12.5% of its total energy consumption by renewables by 2020, the wholesale retailer said last week. It required an investment of EUR 1.6 million (USD 1.8m).

The Sint-Niklaas facility will use electricity from 7,200 photovoltaic (PV) panels, the output of which will be enough to meet the demand of around 600 households annually. The power will go for the site’s industrial cooling, air conditioning and lighting needs, among others, covering no less than 33% of the distribution centre’s overall consumption.

“If we want to reduce our ecological footprint, we must all do our bit. As an international retail chain, we want to play an exemplary role in this," said spokesperson Isabelle Colbrandt.

In Belgium, Lidl already has solar panels at three of its five distribution locations and at some of its stores across the chain. Its goal is to add solar to 20 branches each year.

(EUR 1.0 = USD 1.131)

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