Decathlon, the sport retail company, signs an agreement with the company EDP, world leader in renewable energies, to promote a higher sustainability in its processes, by carrying out an innovative self-consumption projects through photovoltaic shelters in 4 of its centres in Spain, adding up to a total power of almost 1MWp and more than 270 parking spaces.

This pioneering project, that may continue in other centres of the sport retail company, starts in the centres of Albacete, Badajoz, Mérida and Tamaraceite, in Gran Canaria. It will imply an annual production of more than 875,000 kWh/year, with 56% of self-consumption for these centres.

Moreover, it will cover a surface, among the four installations of more than 3,000 m2 and it will be composed of more than 1,200 photovoltaic panels. This will imply a reduction of emissions of around 350 tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to the annual average consumption of 250 households.

Self-consumption is one of the energy solutions with the higher savings potential, both for companies and industries and for households. Moreover, the project will be developed in As a Service modality, it has a duration of 15 years and EDP is responsible for 100% of the investment.

“This ambitious self-consumption project is another step in the development of the strategic real estate sustainability plan of the company. For years we have been focusing our efforts on the reduction of CO2 emissions in this area, promoting multiple actions such as the renovation of roofs with improved thermal insulation, the installation of new high-efficiency and monitored air-conditioning machines, LED lighting systems with intelligent auto dimming, or the installation of electric vehicle chargers in our centres” said Yolanda Lara, real estate director of Decathlon Spain.

Moreover, “thanks to this agreement we will accelerate the strategy of production and self-consumption of sustainable energy, as well as reduce the carbon footprint of our centres”, she concluded.

On his part, Miguel Fonseca, commercial counsellor of EDP, highlights that “we believe in the power of collaboration. Our joint project with Decathlon to implement solar distributed energy in their stores is an example of economic, social and environmental benefits. It does not only generate savings and energy efficiency, but also promotes sustainable practices, allowing both companies to have a positive impact on the environment and society. Together, we are creating a brighter future for companies and the planet”.

EDP and Decathlon are strongly committed to the protection of the environment and already collaborate in the promotion of electric mobility, with the aim of facilitating the transition towards a new decarbonized energy model, promoting the installation of more than 400 charging points in Spain, and being also partners in the Iberian Peninsula.

This project is included in EDP’s Business Plan for the period 2023-2026, through which it expects to make an investment of 25,000 million euros to accelerate the display of renewable energies, the flexibility of the electricity system and the design of innovative solutions for clients.