Tesco has signed a deal to acquire enough solar energy to power 144 of its large stores in what it said was “the largest solar corporate power purchase agreement ever agreed in the UK”.

The grocery giant has bought almost two-thirds of the electricity generated by the Cleve Hill solar park in Kent. The £450m solar park, developed by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, will provide up to 10% of Tesco’s UK electricity needs over the next 15 years.

More than 560,000 solar panels will be installed at the site making it a “significant contributor to the UK’s renewable energy landscape,” with EDF providing power balancing and shaping services.

Construction started early last year, and the solar farm should be operational by the beginning of next year.

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Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said: “We’re delighted to be announcing such a significant step in our journey towards carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035.  

“With its ability to provide vital energy storage infrastructure, it’s a key part of the renewable energy strategy in the UK, and further evidence of our commitment to tackle climate change and source green electricity from innovative projects like this.”

Over the past five years, the supermarket has worked on multiple energy projects, sourcing green electricity directly from windfarms and solar parks across the UK.

With the addition of Cleve Hill, these power purchase agreements will cover 45% of Tesco expected electricity demands in the UK by 2030.

It comes as Sainsbury’s ramped up its usage of renewable energy as it announced the completion and commissioning of its Pines Burn Wind Farm in the Scottish Borders yesterday (16 October). The supermarket giant has committed to purchasing 100% of the renewable energy it produces over the next 15 years.