SPAR Austria powers 100 stores with solar energy

November 30, 2020 IN THE CATEGORY: Climate, Responsible retailing

Starting in 2010, SPAR Austria has invested heavily in sustainable energy supply for its stores. This month, the company installed a solar power system on the roof of the SPAR Supermarket in Wolkersdorf, Lower Austria – bringing the number of solar-powered stores to 100. The company plans to roll out the systems in additional stores nationwide.

In 2019, SPAR store rooftop solar systems created 4.8 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity, which was used directly onsite. Compared to the domestic electricity mix, this green energy contributes to a CO2 reduction of 800 tonnes. With the electricity generated on rooftops, SPAR powers instore cooling, lighting, and IT systems. Annually, SPAR Austria invests about €1 million in the expansion of solar energy, in close cooperation with regional energy providers.

Commenting on the ongoing expansion of solar power systems, SPAR Austria Board Director Hans K. Reisch has noted that the company has ambitious climate protection goals.

“One of these goals is to switch to renewable energy entirely. The 100 power plants on the roofs of SPAR stores produce 4.8 million kilowatt-hours of electricity every year. The rest of the electricity we need comes from wind, water, and solar power sourced from local energy providers”, Hans K. Reisch said.

Climate protection goals

SPAR Austria intends to reduce its instore energy consumption by 50% by 2050, compared to 2009, and to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 90%.

“The best energy is the energy we do not need. Therefore, we are equipping our stores with energy-saving technologies, including LED lighting and heat recovery systems. Compared to SPAR stores that have not been upgraded, these innovative technologies cut energy usage by 50%”, continued Hans K. Reisch.

SPAR Austria already uses electricity generated from 100% renewable sources, and heating with fossil fuels is being converted to heat pumps. These measures significantly contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to 2009, emissions have been reduced by 40%.

Regional technology

The high-tech solar panels on SPAR store rooftops are sourced from the Austrian supplier Kioto Solar. SPAR International preferred supplier Fronius supplies the necessary power inverters, and the fastening technology is produced by voestalpine.

In addition to solar power systems, SPAR Austria operates two hydropower plants at the SPAR Supermarket in Graz-Floßlendplatz and the SES shopping centre SILLPARK in Innsbruck.

Source: SPAR Austria

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About SPAR Austria

The origins of SPAR in Austria date back to 1954, but the current SPAR AG was created in 1970 when the original founding families joined with other regional wholesalers to form SPAR Austria AG – a 100% privately owned Austrian company.

With licences granted by SPAR International, ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) has also developed SPAR in Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, and Northern Italy.