By Greentech Lead Asia: IKEA Group announced that it will
partner with Hanergy, a Chinese clean energy company, to install solar
photovoltaic panels on IKEA owned buildings in China. The solar panels are
expected to provide both 10-15 percent of all electricity needed to run IKEA
stores and 100 percent of the electricity needs of IKEA distribution centers in
China.
“IKEA has a long-term commitment to use 100 percent
renewable energy to power our buildings and this is an important and
significant step towards reaching that goal. Not only will we harness the sun
to help power our stores and other buildings across China, but we will also
extend the scope of the project over the coming year to our supply base across
the country; enabling them to utilize an affordable and reliable supply of
clean energy,” said Steve Howard, chief sustainability officer, ikea
group.
The project will save approximately 6,000 tonnes of CO2
each year. The project is also being extended to the company’s suppliers in
China. The solar panels will be manufactured and installed by Hanergy over the
next three years. Hanergy will be responsible for the engineering, procurement
construction and installation of the solar panels on IKEA buildings in China.
More than half of the energy needed to power IKEA
buildings around the world currently comes from renewable sources. IKEA
already deployed over 250,000 solar panels on its buildings around the world
and it owns and operates around 80 wind turbines. IKEA Group has allocated Euro
470 million to invest in renewable energy, including the solar project in
China.
“Our partnership with IKEA is an exciting
opportunity to promote the smart use of thin film solar technology as a
reliable, clean and alternative source of energy. In the current context of
high electricity demand, such initiatives have the potential to relieve
pressure on the national grid, support our clients’ business and preserve the
environment,” said Li Hejun, chairman of Hanergy.