Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Chinese multinational Alibaba Group, has started using electricity generated from a warehouse rooftop solar PV system.
The project is located in Hangzhou and Ningbo in Zhejiang Province, China, and houses solar panels spanning 100,000 square meters.
According to Cainiao Network, the solar panels have been installed on unused spaces on the warehouse roof, supplying electricity to support warehouse operations while contributing towards the State Grid. This ensures a secure supply and reduces consumption.
The solar PV project has an annual power output of over 8 million kWh and can store 7.862MW of energy. Furthermore, the initiative can reduce carbon emissions by 5,535 tons a year.
“The successful launch of Cainiao’s first warehouse zone with a photovoltaic power generation system is just the beginning of sustainable measures that we have planned. We aim to build an eco-friendly global logistics network for our merchants and brands across the globe to reduce carbon footprints together,” said Sun Beibei, General Manager, Global Supply Chain, Import Business, Cainiao.
The warehouse in Xiasha is emphasising sustainability measures across operations, such as using energy-saving lighting systems that use sensors in real-time and energy-saving conveyor belts.
By 2023, Cainiao plans to increase the rooftop PV generation systems across 500,000 square meters.
