This follows a 12-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed last year between Auchan and GoldenPeaks Capital. By June this year, 80% of the installations covered by this agreement will be operational, with full completion scheduled by the end of 2025. Once fully implemented, these agreements will supply Auchan stores with 115 GWh of renewable solar energy annually.
Simultaneously, the company continues to enhance the energy efficiency of its operations. Since 2019, Auchan stores have reduced their annual energy consumption by 30%, achieving energy savings of 62 GWh.
“We are committed to investments that bring us closer to achieving our goal of reducing CO2 emissions in our value chain by 46% by 2030,” said Alexandre Saussard, CEO of Auchan Polska. “The solutions offered by Axpo will not only provide our stores with direct access to energy from GoldenPeaks Capital's photovoltaic farms but also, through balancing services, ensure greater stability and protection against market fluctuations in energy prices, which is critical for us today. Most of the photovoltaic farms included in our PPA with GoldenPeaks Capital will be operational in the first half of this year. Any surplus green energy generated during peak seasons will be shared with our partners, including franchisees, further supporting the sustainable development of our business ecosystem.”
Currently, all Auchan stores in Poland are powered entirely by renewable energy purchased from certified suppliers, with full traceability through guarantees of origin. The company's investments in solar energy are focused on achieving greater energy independence and securing a stable, cost-effective supply of green energy, helping to optimize operational costs.
Cost optimization is further supported by continuous improvements in energy efficiency across Auchan's stores. Since 2019, investments in modern, energy-saving technologies have delivered cumulative energy savings of 61.8 GWh.
Key initiatives include replacing refrigeration units with models fitted with energy-efficient doors and switching from traditional refrigerants like R404a to alternatives that consume less energy and have a lower environmental impact. Most stores have also been upgraded with LED lighting systems equipped with automatic brightness controls, reducing energy use during periods of strong natural sunlight. LED lighting has been extended to parking areas, delivery zones, backrooms, and warehouses. Additionally, all Auchan locations are equipped with online energy consumption monitoring systems, and the operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in most stores has been automated via Building Management Systems (BMS), further enhancing energy efficiency.
