Central Co-op signs CPPA to supply green energy to 400 locations
Along with Lincolnshire Co-op, Scotmid Co-op, East of England Co-op and Southern Co-op, this long-term contract will provide up to 53 gigawatt hours of green electricity per year
Central Co-op has signed a 10-year corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA), in partnership with four other independent co-operative societies, to supply renewable energy to over 400 Co-op locations across the UK as of the start of April 2025.
Along with Lincolnshire Co-op, Scotmid Co-op, East of England Co-op and Southern Co-op, this long-term contract will provide up to 53 gigawatt hours of green electricity per year – enough to power more than 400 Co-op funeral homes and retail stores.
This agreement comes as a milestone in Central Co-op’s sustainability journey, as it aims to become self-sufficient in green energy by 2030 and net zero by 2040.
The deal was made possible through Central Co-op’s collaboration with RWE, the UK’s largest power generator; Inspired PLC, an energy and sustainability advisor who negotiated the CPPA; and Shoosmiths LLP, who led the legal negotiations.
According to Central Co-op, this deal was executed in just three months – less than half the usual timeframe.
Paul Lockwood, head of procurement and net zero at Central Co-op, said: “At Central Co-op, our purpose is to create a sustainable society for all, and this landmark agreement is a crucial step in that journey. By securing 20% of our energy needs from renewable sources, we are actively reducing our reliance on traditional energy and moving towards our ambition of becoming self-sufficient in green energy by 2030.
“We’re thrilled to have led on this deal on behalf of a consortium of Co-op societies, and working alongside RWE, Inspired and Shoosmiths, are proud to drive ethical and responsible energy sourcing – ensuring a more sustainable future for our communities.”
Olaf Lubenow, head of commodity solutions UK and North & South Europe of RWE Supply and Trading, added: “We are pleased to support these five independent co-ops in their ambitious climate protection targets. This agreement shows how our clean energy solutions contribute to climate protection in all areas of the economy and ensure cost control by securing a long-term power price.”