The co-operatives involved are Lincolnshire Co-op, Scotmid Co-op, East of England Co-op, Southern Co-op, and Central Co-op, with the latter taking the lead in coordinating the agreement. This long-term contract will power more than 400 locations, including retail stores, funeral homes, and travel agencies, with sustainable energy.
The London Array, managed by RWE, is a joint venture with four partners: RWE (30%), Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Greencoat UK Wind PLC, and Masdar Energy UK Limited. Featuring 175 wind turbines, it held the title of the world’s largest offshore wind farm from its full commissioning in 2013 until September 2018, with a capacity of 630MW.
An RWE spokesperson commented: “This agreement is a significant milestone in the co-operative movement’s journey towards sustainability. By securing long-term renewable energy, these five independent co-operatives are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also reinforcing their commitment to ethical business practices and environmental responsibility.”
The corporate PPA was facilitated by UK energy and sustainability advisor Inspired PLC, with legal support from Shoosmiths LLP. The arrangement highlights a practical step for these co-ops to align their operations with cleaner energy goals, leveraging the London Array’s reliable output to meet diverse energy needs across their network.
