Energy matters, particularly for local retailers and wholesalers. The South African energy grid is under pressure – and that puts the country under pressure. For stores whose very business relies on a stable, affordable energy supply, alternative energy sources and sustainability must be built into every system and process. Developments in AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) are being complemented by technological advancements in equipment and systems that are more energy efficient, reliable and controlled. This means harnessing technology to achieve energy savvy operations.

A switch to solar for sustainable business

Local powerhouse, the Shoprite Group, recently celebrated an impressive milestone of 100 solar installations. The 100th solar photovoltaic (PV) system was installed 10 years after Shoprite launched its first solar project in 2015. According to the Group, “With an installed capacity of over 43,300 Kilowatt-peak (kWp), the retailer’s solar portfolio ranks among the largest of any South African private company.” The decision to switch to solar was based on uncertainty surrounding stability of the national grid and in response to the climbing cost of electricity.

Their spokesperson adds, “These investments have significantly strengthened the Shoprite Group’s energy resilience by reducing reliance on the national grid and improving operational continuity, while also helping to manage long-term electricity costs amid rising tariffs.”

According to Shoprite, their distribution centres are their biggest energy consumers and have consequently realised the greatest efficiency gains and cost savings through solar PV and renewable energy projects. Within their stores, refrigeration and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are the largest electricity users. Both these systems make good use of solar power and are now being designed with solar power or hybrid power sources in mind. Solar, battery storage and electricity wheeling (the process of transporting electrical power from a generator to a customer through a third-party network) are helping to reduce reliance on the national grid, which the Shoprite Group is keen to take advantage of. “Wheeling helps to diversify supply, reduce grid dependence and improve supply stability across our operations. Our rooftop solar systems alone generate enough clean electricity to power nearly 12,300 households annually, which is reducing pressure on the national grid.”

Tracking and managing energy performance across a vast national footprint is essential for maintaining efficient operations, identifying problem areas and calculating cost and energy savings. Shoprite uses a utility platform to measure, track and report monthly energy and water consumption across stores, distribution centres and offices. This enables them to identify high consumption sites and develop and implement targeted energy-efficiency programmes to drive continuous improvement.

According to Shoprite, the Group has committed to reducing its absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 42% by 2030, using 2020 as a baseline, and absolute scope 3 emissions from the use of products sold by 25% over the same period. These targets were approved by the Science Based Targets.

The Group also set a long-term goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. “While we remain committed to our decarboni sation targets, we continue to balance these goals with our core purpose of providing customers with access to affordable goods and services,” the spokesperson says. “Over the next three to five years, local retailers will need to focus on strengthening partnerships with stakeholders across the electricity value chain, including the national utility, municipalities, landlords, independent power producers and energy traders.

Equally important is embedding energy efficiency as a core operational priority.” For Shoprite, solar energy is a proven and scalable solution to improve energy resilience, manage costs and reduce emissions, making it a strategic priority for retailers operating in a constrained and uncertain energy landscape.

Hi-tech approach to energy efficiency

Commercial refrigeration manufacturer Staycold International supplies high-quality, self-contained commercial fridges and freezers. With a long term commitment to sustainability and their own pathway to net zero, this locally based company has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and obstacles faced by local retailers and wholesalers.

Sebastian Hills, Sales Director at Staycold International, is well aware that in the retail environment, refrigeration and wider HVAC systems are acknowledged as the most energy-intensive cost burdens. He says, “Staycold’s range of beverage coolers and display fridges and freezers utilise the latest technologies available to reduce energy consumption. These include high-efficiency IQ fan motors, Low-E glass doors, digital energy management devices, EcoMate PU insulating foam and low-GWP hydrocarbon refrigerants. These features not only reduce energy consumption but also limit their broader impact on the environment.”

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