SPAR Austria opens 80th solar power operated store

SPAR Austria has been investing extensively in sustainable energy supply for its stores and at the end of 2018, it installed a solar power system, on the roof of its 80th store.

With an annual energy production of 215,000 kWh of electricity, INTERSPAR Imst in Tyrol produces the same amount of power as used by 60 households per year. The PV system fitted to the roof of the INTERSPAR is the largest of all 80 installed so far, which cumulatively generate 4.4 GWh of electricity annually.

Going forwards, SPAR Austria plans to continue to install PV systems on the roof-tops of its stores – increasing its sustainable energy supply across its store network.

“Photovoltaics is the most efficient renewable energy source for us as it produces the highest performance during the day, when energy consumption in stores is the highest. We have also introduced other environmentally friendly solutions instore such as energy-saving LED lighting, efficient room ventilation and economical cooling units,” explained , Managing Director of INTERSPAR Imst, Hans-Jörg Schuth.

With a sales area of more than 3,000m2, the INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Imst has a diverse product offering, boasting 140 local products. The instore INTERSPAR restaurant, which can seat 160 people, provides an array of culinary delights for customers to enjoy instore or take-away.

SPAR Austria’s gross retail sales growth reached 6.7 billion euro in 2017 from 1,566 stores including 757 operated by independent retailers.