https://arab.news/8mkcz
Lulu Retail, the leading retail giant, is proud to announce the successful completion of its first solar project in Saudi Arabia at its Riyadh Central Warehouse. This landmark initiative marks a significant milestone in the group’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals and advancing the clean energy movement in the region.
The 502.7 kWp rooftop solar plant, developed in collaboration with the Kanoo-CleanMax joint venture, is set to generate 846 MWh of clean energy annually, significantly reducing Lulu Group’s carbon footprint by approximately 382 metric tons per year—equivalent to planting nearly 9,000 trees over the next decade. This project will serve as a model for sustainability in the hypermarket sector, demonstrating Lulu's commitment to environmental stewardship and renewable energy solutions.
“We are incredibly proud to have completed this important solar project in Riyadh, a first for us in Saudi Arabia,” said Shehim Mohammed, director of Lulu Hypermarkets, Saudi Arabia. “At Lulu, sustainability is a core value, and we are delighted to take this step toward reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy. This solar installation not only supports Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition but also plays a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions, aligning perfectly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact businesses can have on creating a greener and more sustainable future,” he added.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Faisal Khalid Kanoo, director of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Holding, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Lulu, a brand that has consistently set benchmarks in the Middle East. Lulu’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our vision at Kanoo-CleanMax. This initiative is not only about environmental impact but also about delivering long-term value and efficiency for businesses."
Pioneering step toward clean energy in Saudi Arabia
Lulu’s solar plant, one of the first to be interconnected to the Saudi Electricity Company's grid, reflects the growing importance of sustainability within global supply chains and the role of corporate leadership in advancing the green energy agenda.
“Through our long-term partnership with Kanoo-CleanMax, we are thrilled to contribute to the Kingdom’s future energy vision while reducing our operational costs. This initiative is a major step for us, but it’s also just the beginning. We’re committed to integrating renewable energy solutions across our operations and continuing to lead by example,” Mohammed added.
Manoj Tripathy, CEO of Kanoo Industrial & Energy emphasized the significance of this achievement: "We are proud to celebrate this milestone with Lulu Group on the successful completion of their first solar facility in Saudi Arabia. This achievement marks the beginning of a greener future, and we take immense pride in being a part of Lulu’s journey towards sustainability and energy efficiency.”
Strategic partnership with Kanoo-CleanMax JV
Lulu Group International partnered with the Kanoo-CleanMax joint venture, a leading renewable energy consortium, to bring this ambitious project to life. The joint venture brings together the technical expertise of the Yousef Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, a 130-year-old regional conglomerate, and CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd., one of Asia’s foremost clean energy companies with over 2.1 GW of operational solar PV capacity.
The partnership reflects Lulu's forward-thinking approach to sustainability, leveraging Kanoo-CleanMax’s industry-leading experience in providing clean energy solutions tailored to businesses in the commercial and industrial sectors.
A bright future for clean energy in the region
Commenting on the partnership, Kuldeep Jain, managing director of CleanMax, said: “Corporates like Lulu significantly contribute to the region’s vision and growth and we are proud to support them in achieving their sustainability objectives. This project is a pioneering initiative in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy landscape and underscores our commitment to advancing clean energy solutions in the Middle East. We are excited about the future opportunities to bring more such innovative solutions to businesses in the region.”
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia is striving to generate 50 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2030, with a target of 130 GW of renewable energy capacity. Lulu’s solar project is a significant contribution to this mission and underscores the group's leadership role in driving sustainability efforts in the retail sector. By reducing its environmental footprint and embracing renewable energy, Lulu Group is not only aligning with Vision 2030 but also fostering long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Lulu Group’s sustainability commitment
As one of the largest retailers in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Lulu Group is committed to embedding sustainability into its strategy and operations. The group has been a leader in the region’s sustainability efforts, promoting circular economy initiatives and investing in renewable energy projects across Bahrain and the UK. In 2023, Lulu collected 4.9 million plastic bottles and aluminium cans for recycling and repurposed food waste for biofuel and animal feed.
Lulu also prioritizes sourcing organic products, local sourcing, and biodegradable packaging to minimize environmental impact. A dedicated Sustainability Department, which reports directly to the board, ensures the group’s sustainability efforts align with its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policy.
As a trusted brand across 26 countries, Lulu continues to be a pioneer in driving sustainable business practices and creating a positive impact on society and the environment.