CASE STUDY
Leading Decabonization solutions
Greenvolt Next projects with ALDI, LIDL, Tesco and Sklaventinis
We are shaping a new
standard for the food industry
The food retail sector is a cornerstone of economies worldwide, yet it comes with a substantial environmental footprint. Supermarkets are among the most demanding energy consumers, with refrigeration and continuous operations driving significant emissions – the food system as a whole contributes roughly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, while retail accounts for a notable share within that.
At Greenvolt Next, we help supermarkets transform this challenge into opportunity. By driving decarbonization, optimizing energy use, and implementing renewable solutions, we enable global food retailers to reduce emissions, cut costs, and operate more sustainably without compromising performance.
Through these projects, we are shaping a new standard for the food industry: smarter, cleaner, and more resilient supermarkets that contribute to a lower-carbon future, with the end goal of moving towards net zero stores – which first case study we developed one of the stores in Lidl Ireland.
THE PROJECTS
Bringing Energy Next to
Aldi
Aldi is one of the world’s leading supermarket chains, operating thousands of stores across Europe, including a strong presence in Ireland. Known for its focus on quality and affordability, Aldi is also advancing sustainability initiatives, integrating energy efficiency and environmental responsibility into its operations.
44
stores
6.3
MW
installed capacity
95,500
kWh
annual production per store
~30
%
of a store’s electricity needs
288
panels per store
€5
million
investment
The challenges
Accelerate decarbonization by reducing grid electricity consumption across a large store portfolio.
Improve energy resilience and reduce dependency on the national grid.
Manage external price pressures through lower electricity consumption and improved cost control.
Deliver at pace, across multiple live retail sites, with a repeatable design and rollout approach.
The results
Rollout of rooftop solar PV systems across 44 stores, expected to deliver 6.3 MW of installed solar capacity
The systems cover 30% of each store’s needs
Reduce carbon emissions, protecting against energy price volatility
Ease pressure on Ireland’s national grid
”Delivering a nationwide rollout like this reflects the scale and capability Greenvolt Next Ireland has built. We’re doubling our output in the retail solar PV sector for 2025, and it’s only the beginning. Our growth is driven by demand for high-quality, impactful clean energy solutions and we’re ready to meet it.
John CartyCCO at Greenvolt Next Ireland and UK
Lidl
Lidl is one of Europe’s largest retail chains, operating over 12,000 stores worldwide with a strong presence in Ireland and the UK. Known for its commitment to value and quality, Lidl has delivered the first net zero store in Ireland, emerging as a frontrunner in embedding sustainability into its core operations.
+100
stores powered with Solar PV
+20
MWp
installed capacity
188-210
kWp
per system
10,000
tons
CO2 avoided annually (estimated)
The challenges
Logistics & Standardization – ensuring systems were consistent across diverse building designs
Business Continuity – installations had to be carried out without disrupting daily store operations
Grid Connection & Permitting – navigating requirements across multiple jurisdictions
The results
Deployment of rooftop solar PV systems in over 100 Lidl stores
This project is one of the largest distributed solar programs in the Irish retail sector
Standardized system sizes of 188 kWp and 210 kWp to streamline design and installation
Integration with Lidl’s energy management systems to optimize renewable usage on-site
”This partnership with Lidl is a perfect example of how large-scale retailers can lead the way in sustainability. By turning over 100 store rooftops into clean energy generators, we’ve delivered a solar-powered retail transformation that reduces emissions, supports Lidl’s ambitious ESG goals, and shows what can be achieved when business and sustainability go hand in hand.
Owen PowerCEO at Greenvolt Next Ireland and UK
Tesco
Tesco is a global retail leader with a significant footprint in Ireland and the UK. Renowned for its wide product range and customer focus, Tesco has also made sustainability central to its strategy, implementing energy optimization and carbon-reduction initiatives across its stores.
12
stores
5
MW
installed capacity
122
tons
CO2 avoided per year
2,000
installed solar panels
Up to
20%
of eletricity needs
The challenges
Reduce exposure to electricity price volatility
Ease the demand on the national grid
Reach EU target on reducing carbon emissions
The results
Installation of 5 MW of rooftop PV capacity for Tesco across 12 sites
Solar power will meet 20% of a store’s electricity needs
Boosting Tesco total renewable energy capacity to 4.4 GWh annually
”Key elements of this project were how Greenvolt Next designed a system to suit the structural loading of the specific roofs. We also designed the solar array to best meet the self-consumption needs of each store based on their electrical load profile.
John CartyCOO at Greenvolt Next Ireland and UK
Sklavenitis
Sklavenitis is one of Greece’s largest supermarket chains, operating hundreds of stores nationwide. Known for its deep community roots and customer-centric approach, the company is increasingly embracing sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact and drive greener retail across Greece.
2.5
MW
installed power
41
%
of total energy needed
3,244
MWh
generated per year
4,032
solar panels
2,042
tons
CO2 avoided per year
The challenges
Stable, long-term renewable energy to offset high electricity demand in the energy-intensive retail & logistics sector.
Reduction of dependency on the grid, especially during peak operational periods.
Operational cost control through high-efficiency self-consumption.
Commitment to ESG targets and sustainability.
The results
This renewable energy source helps Sklavenitis significantly reduce its carbon footprint by 2,402tons of CO2 per year.
Lower operation costs and enhance ESG compliance
”This project demonstrates how sustainable energy integrates into the retail sector to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
Dionysios AnargyrosManaging Director at Greenvolt Next Greece
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