The Shoprite Group has reached a significant sustainability milestone with the installation of its 100th solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a decade after the company launched its first solar project in 2015.
This milestone highlights Shoprite’s commitment to clean energy adoption and its broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions, cut electricity costs, and strengthen business resilience in South Africa.
With an installed capacity of over 43,300 kWp, Shoprite’s solar portfolio now ranks among the largest private company solar deployments in the country. Collectively, the rooftop systems generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 12,300 households annually, marking a tangible impact on the South African energy landscape.
“In 2015, we made a long-term commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and play an active role in addressing South Africa’s energy challenges,” said Sanjeev Raghubir, Chief Sustainability Officer at Shoprite Group. “The installation of our 100th solar PV system reflects the significant progress we’ve made. Our accelerated efforts to meet science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy are crucial steps toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”
In the 2025 financial year, 7.2% of the Group’s electricity came from renewable sources, an increase from 6.5% in 2024 and above the company’s internal target. During this period, Shoprite consumed 151,243 MWh of renewable energy, resulting in a reduction of 137,026 tCO₂e.
These figures underscore the effectiveness of large-scale corporate renewable energy adoption in cutting operational emissions while providing long-term energy cost savings.
Beyond rooftop PV systems, the Group has also implemented solar initiatives across its logistics operations. 1,397 refrigerated trailers in its fleet have been fitted with solar panels, saving 3.2 litres of diesel per trailer per day and reducing emissions by an additional 6,000 tCO₂e.
This innovative approach demonstrates how clean energy adoption extends beyond buildings to transportation, further supporting corporate sustainability objectives.
Shoprite is also actively exploring wheeling projects, where electricity is bought and sold between private parties over the existing transmission grid. These initiatives enable the company to diversify its renewable energy sourcing, particularly for sites where rooftop installations are not feasible, such as leased malls.
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In 2024, Shoprite became one of the first companies to wheel renewable electricity through the City of Cape Town’s grid, delivering energy to eleven sites, including its Home Office in Brackenfell, with plans to expand further.
“Our focus is on scaling these initiatives by increasing solar installations and expanding wheeling arrangements across our supermarkets and distribution centres,” Raghubir added. “We will continue to engage with landlords and partners to unlock greater access to clean energy, particularly in spaces we don’t own, ensuring we maximize impact without compromising operational efficiency.”
The Group’s solar strategy offers multiple benefits: it mitigates exposure to rising electricity tariffs, enhances operational efficiency, and provides a hedge against power supply disruptions, a persistent challenge in South Africa.
By combining rooftop PV systems, solar-fitted transport, and wheeling solutions, Shoprite demonstrates a comprehensive approach to corporate energy sustainability.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around data centers, AI, cloud infrastructure, and energy.
