Irish food retailer Musgrave has entered into a landmark corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with SSE Airtricity.
It marks the first-ever all-island CPPA in the retail sector.
The agreement will see Musgrave purchase 100% of the wind-powered energy from Richfield Wind Farm in Co Wexford and Bessy Bell 2 Wind Farm in Co Tyrone, which are owned and operated by SSE Renewables, a sister company to SSE Airtricity.
The renewable power from Richfield and Bessy Bell 2 will help meet the Musgrave Group’s electricity needs, including at its offices, 11 distribution centres, and 105 SuperValu and Centra retail stores across the island.
Musgrave is aiming to become carbon neutral across its operations by 2040.
Commenting on the deal, Musgrave chief executive Noel Keeley said: “At Musgrave, we are proud to partner with SSE Airtricity in signing this Corporate Power Purchase Agreement.
“This landmark agreement marks a significant milestone in our journey toward net zero and empowers our SuperValu and Centra stores to meaningfully reduce their environmental impact.
“Our network of stores is deeply committed to driving sustainability and making a positive difference in their local communities.
“I want to commend the remarkable efforts of SuperValu and Centra retailers nationwide, including the installation of over 45,000 solar panels across the country.
“Together with our retail partners we have ambitious plans for our journey to net zero, while supporting the renewable energy sector in Ireland through partnerships like this CPPA.”
SSE Airtricity managing director Stephen Gallagher said: “SSE Airtricity is delighted to partner with Musgrave on this first of its kind Corporate Power Purchase Agreement in the retail sector.
“A first for the island of Ireland, the partnership reflects our continued commitment to supporting businesses in their sustainability journey.
“As energy partner, our role is to ensure Musgrave has access to reliable, renewable energy solutions, and that SuperValu and Centra stores can continue to lead in sustainability.
“We look forward to continued collaborations to drive positive environmental impact, supporting a net-zero future for Ireland.”