Saudi Arabia-based Almarai, a global specialist in food and beverage manufacturing and distribution, has completed its Al Kharj Solar Project, making it the largest ground mount solar photovoltaic (PV) installation operating in the kingdom.
The cost of this project is SR44.4 million ($11.8 million). Greenhouse gas emissions associated with fuel and electricity consumption and rising energy costs, have an impact not only on the environment but also on the financial bottom line, said the company in a statement.
This project incorporates 15 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity, comprising more than 44,000 solar panels capable of producing 28 gigawatt hours (GWh) of clean renewable energy per year.
During operation, the Almarai Al Kharj Solar Project will offset 8,100 tonnes of CO2 each year, equivalent to planting more than 8,000 trees.
Almarai has developed an Energy Roadmap, outlining how it will improve its energy performance through efficient energy consumption and movement towards generation from sustainable sources. Key to delivering this strategy is a portfolio of solar power generation projects.
By the end of 2020, Almarai aims to increase its solar PV installations constructed across the Mena region, supplying more solar power generation capacity that would represent approximately 10 per cent of our total electricity consumption being derived from renewables.
Almarai will continue to develop its energy and sustainability programme, aligning with the Saudi National Vision 2030 strategy for the safe and efficient use of clean energy, delivering 'Quality You Can Trust', in a more sustainable way, that enriches consumers lives every day, the statement said.
