One of the UK’s fastest-growing retailers strengthens its sustainability credentials with Seed Renewables, Zestec Renewable Energy and Octopus Energy Generation.
Seed Renewables and Zestec Renewable Energy have successfully completed and energised a 1.5 MW rooftop solar PV installation at Iceland Foods’ distribution centre in Livingston, Scotland, delivering a significant renewable energy asset for one of the UK’s leading food retailers.
Designed and delivered by Seed Renewables, funded by Zestec Renewable Energy under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), and powered by Octopus Energy Generation, the project forms part of Iceland’s ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency across its operations.
Installed across the distribution centre’s extensive roof space, the system comprises 3,300 solar PV panels and is expected to generate approximately 1.6 GWh of renewable electricity annually. The installation is projected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 202 tonnes of CO2e per year, while helping to lower energy costs and improve long-term energy resilience at one of Iceland’s most strategically important facilities.
The Livingston distribution centre plays a critical role within Iceland’s UK supply chain network, supporting the storage and distribution of frozen and ambient products to almost 1,000 stores nationwide. The completed installation enables Iceland to generate a significant proportion of its electricity on site, reducing reliance on grid electricity while supporting long-term sustainability objectives and delivering measurable environmental and commercial benefits.
The fully funded solution was provided by Zestec Renewable Energy, enabling Iceland to benefit from renewable energy generation without upfront capital expenditure, while also including ongoing operations and maintenance support. The project highlights the growing role of funded renewable energy solutions in helping commercial and industrial businesses decarbonise their operations without upfront capital investment. By combining on-site generation with long-term energy cost savings, organisations can accelerate progress towards sustainability objectives while improving energy resilience.
Graham Ireland, director of energy and maintenance services, Iceland Foods, said: “Sustainability remains a key focus for Iceland, and this project represents another significant milestone in our journey to reduce carbon emissions across our operations. The Livingston distribution centre is a critical part of our UK supply chain network, so maintaining business continuity throughout the project was essential. We were impressed by the professionalism, expertise and collaborative approach demonstrated throughout the delivery programme, which was completed safely and successfully while maintaining day-to-day operations.”
Russ Kelsall, Senior Project Manager at Zestec Renewable Energy, said: “Our partners, Seed Renewables, installed a well-designed, safely constructed robust asset, that will silently generate clean renewable energy for years to come with minimal impact. The frozen food sector’s energy demand is a prime example of a high static electrical load that can be easily supplemented by solar electricity. At this site, the rooftop solar system will contribute, long term, to carbon reduction and energy cost saving for the
well-known high street brand.”
Brenton Spear, chief operating officer at Seed Renewables, said: “We are proud to have delivered this large-scale solar PV installation and it has been a real pleasure working with Iceland, GXO and Zestec throughout the project. The strong partnership between all stakeholders enabled us to successfully deliver a complex scheme while creating a high-performing renewable energy asset that will provide long-term value.”
