Coles has just announced a landmark 10-year deal to build three new solar farms in regional New South Wales, which will generate enough clean renewable energy to power 39,000 homes.According to a media release, Coles will purchase more than 70% of the power generated by the three solar farms in order to meet 10% of the supermarket giant’s national power needs, becoming the first major Australian retailer to commit to buying renewable energy through a power purchase agreement.
The deal is a great first step and shows companies are now leading the way on the transition to 100% renewable energy, said Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Campaigner, Lindsay Soutar.
“Major supermarket chains such as Coles and Woolworths are some of Australia’s biggest polluters, so it’s important to see them starting to clean up their act and lead the transition to 100% renewable energy,” Soutar said.
“Some of the world’s biggest companies – including supermarket chains Walmart and Tesco – have already made the commitment to 100% renewable, so for big companies like Coles we know that 100% renewable is 100% doable”
“The growing worldwide movement of large businesses leading the way on renewable energy shows that renewables make good business sense.”
“We look forward to seeing Woolworths make similar commitments”
“Australian companies are leading the way in moving our country to clean and affordable renewable energy, where our country is powered by our abundant sunshine and wind. People have the choice to support the businesses that are doing their part in enabling a safe and healthy climate.”
For more information or further comment please contact Greenpeace Australia Pacific Communications Manager Nelli Stevenson on 0428 113 346 or email [email protected]