Aldi making major change at supermarkets across UK where thousands of people shop

Aldiis ploughing ahead with £7.7 million plans to install cutting-edge solar panels across 90 additional UK stores before the end of 2026. Not just that, but all forthcoming new outlets will be fitted with the panels as standard under Aldi's fresh store launch initiative. The initiative forms part of the retailer's pledge to boost renewable energy generation on-site and safeguard its store portfolio for the future.

Aldi has revealed plans to deploy solar panels to 90 further existing UK branches as part of a £7.7 million boost to its on-site green energy scheme. Britain's fourth biggest supermarket chain is fitting state-of-the-art 144 kWp solar systems across 41 outlets by the end of 2025, with another 49 branches scheduled to get the technology the following year.

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Aldi competes with rivals including Lidl, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and others. The fresh solar installations will produce an average of 100,000 kWh each year, with the step forming part of Aldi's broader pledge to boost its renewable energy consumption on-site and bolster its energy security, reports Birmingham Live.

Additionally, all planned new outlets will be equipped with the advanced solar systems under the supermarket's new branch opening scheme. The news also reflects Aldi's efforts to improve its sustainability, as it launched lighter wine bottles across its range earlier this month. The supermarket is making all necessary changes to cut its use of packaging, as well as reduce its environmental footprint.

Jonathan Neale, managing director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, commented: "By expanding the use of solar panels across our UK stores, we're making practical, long-term changes to how we power our operations, which will help us generate more of our energy on site from renewable sources."

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He added: "By investing in our estate now, we're strengthening the resilience of our operations and helping ensure we can keep delivering great value for customers across Britain in a more sustainable way."

Beyond securing power from renewable sources, Aldi transformed over 30% of its owned lorry fleet to operate on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in September last year, forming part of its broader commitment to slash its carbon emissions. The retailer also employs refrigerator doors in outlets, reducing energy usage by approximately 20% per location.

In other news, Aldi recently announced it will permanently change a store's name following the Oasis mania. From 'Aldi' to 'Aldeh', the supermarket shared the news by adding an 'Aldeh' sign at its Bury New Road store in Prestwich, located in Manchester.