Leeds-based Arla announces it will power around 20% of UK operations with renewables

The new solar parks will be operational from Boston (Lincolnshire) and Offham (Kent) during 2024. Together the sites are set to generate around 23,000 MWh of energy and create savings of approximately 4,439t of CO2* a year.

Both solar parks are being created on sites previously used as landfill, which forms part of an initiative to generate more clean energy and make a positive impact on the environment.

Fran Ball, VP of production at Arla, said: “At Arla, we’re committed to working with our farmer owners to provide natural, nutritious dairy, that is made in the best possible way, and are proud to be committing to two new solar parks to help power our UK operations.

“We are on a journey to climate net zero by 2050, which means we are taking steps to reduce emissions on our farms, as well as focusing on other areas, including production and logistics operations.

“As part of our Climate Action Roadmap, we will be switching to 100 per cent renewable electricity across production sites by the end of 2025, which will contribute 58 per cent of the emissions reductions we need to make in production by 2030.

“Additionally, 100 per cent recyclable packaging will be used across branded products by end of 2025 and will be helping our farmers to adapt more sustainable feed production practices.”

Arla has also recently completed the installation of roof mounted solar panels on its Oswestry site, which during peak power can generate 800KW. This means it can generate 12 per cent of the site’s annual electricity usage, which the firm says would remove 137,920kg of carbon emissions.

Graham Leith, chief operating officer at ENGIE Energy Supply UK, said: “ENGIE globally is committed to accelerated growth in renewables with a firm commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2045, for us and for our customers. We seek to understand needs of customers and work with partners to create a solution supporting their ambitions in a timely manner.”