Powering our journey to green energy self-sufficiency

Central Co-op has led a landmark 10-year corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA), working in partnership with four other independent co-operative societies (ISMs) - Lincolnshire Co-op, Scotmid Co-op, East of England Co-op and Southern Co-op - to supply renewable energy to over 400 co-op locations across the UK.

Starting on 1st April 2025, this long-term contract will provide up to 53 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green electricity per year, enough to power over 400 co-operative retail stores, funeral homes and more. Sourced from RWE's London Array offshore wind farm in the outer Thames Estuary, the agreement will see significant savings for the five co-operatives involved throughout the lifetime of the CPPA.

This agreement is a significant milestone in our sustainability journey, with ambitious goals to become self-sufficient in green energy by 2030 and working with the Science Based Target initiative to set ambitious plans to be Net-Zero by 2040. By securing long-term renewable energy, we're reinforcing our commitment to ethical business practices and environmental responsibility, with the deal set to provide 20% of its total energy needs across its diverse business operations.

Central Co-op led on this pioneering deal, made possible through collaboration with RWE, the UK's largest power generator and a global leader in renewable energy, Inspired PLC, the UK’s leading energy and sustainability advisor, who negotiated the CPPA, and Shoosmiths LLP, who led the legal negotiations. Notably, this deal was executed in just three months, less than half the usual timeframe, demonstrating the expertise and efficiency of the partnerships involved.

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, North & South Europe of RWE Supply & 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.”

For over 180 years, co-operatives have championed ethical business, community ownership and sustainability, following the co-operative values and principles that guide their operations. This landmark renewable energy deal reinforces the co-operative movement’s long-standing commitment to fairness, environmental responsibility, and collective action.

As the world transitions towards a low-carbon economy, this collaboration sets a precedent for how businesses can work together to drive meaningful change. We look forward to a long-term partnership with RWE, ensuring a stable, renewable energy future that aligns with its values and ambitions.

For more information on the London Array wind farm, visit londonarray.com.