Greenfood Group's new solar power plant in Helsingborg is now up and running. In collaboration with Öresundskraft and Soltech, 3.8 MW of solar panels have been installed, providing an annual output of approximately 3.5 million kWh.
The solar plant is installed on the roof of Greenfood Greenhouse, the food group's new facility in Helsingborg. From the outset, the goal was to create the food and logistics center of the future, with a focus on modern technology and sustainability. The property is at the forefront of energy and environmental efficiency, and now its climate footprint is further reduced as the 17,800-square-meter facility begins generating electricity.
"Solar panels are perfect for our operations since our need to cool goods is greatest in the summer, precisely when solar panels produce the most. This means we can utilize solar energy optimally, reduce our electricity costs, and at the same time contribute to more sustainable food production," says Ted Stenshed, CEO of the Greenfood Fresh Produce business area and project manager for the Greenhouse.
The solar plant's production is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 700 average villas or 1,750 apartments. It will cover approximately 20% of the facility's electricity needs and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 150 tons of CO2e per year.
The regional energy company to own the solar plant
Greenfood and Öresundskraft have signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This agreement means that Öresundskraft owns the solar plant and is responsible for the entire process, including planning, construction, operation, and maintenance. Greenfood purchases the solar power generated at a predictable price, providing the company with price security in its electricity trading costs. The 19-year agreement ensures a larger share of secured electricity supply for Greenfood while increasing the production of locally produced renewable energy in the region.
Niklas Leweus, Strategic Key Account Manager at Öresundskraft, explains the agreement: "The PPA solution, which is a new offering from Öresundskraft, is an important piece in bringing more renewable electricity production to the region faster. We see an opportunity here for our customers with large roofs, from 5,000 square meters, to make more strategic energy choices and act more sustainably together with us."
A significant step towards achieving the Group's climate goals
In 2021, Greenfood issued a sustainability-linked bond tied to the goals in Greenfood's sustainability framework. One of the targets is to reduce emissions from its operations (Scope 1 and Scope 2) by 55% per ton of food sold by 2025.
When Greenfood released its annual summary for 2023, it was clear that the group reported a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1 and 2. In 2023, there was a 60.2% reduction per ton of food sold from the base year 2020.
For more information:
Greenfood Group
greenfood.se