Lulu Retail’s inaugural solar project to slash carbon emissions by 382 tonnes annually

Lulu Retail, a leading force in the retail industry, proudly announced the successful completion of its inaugural solar project at the Riyadh Central Warehouse in Saudi Arabia. This milestone underscores the group's dedication to sustainability, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals and driving progress toward a cleaner, greener future for the region.

Lulu's dedication to renewable energy innovation

The 502.7 kWp rooftop solar plant, developed in partnership with the Kanoo-CleanMax joint venture, is expected to produce 846 MWh of clean energy annually — cutting Lulu Group's carbon emissions by approximately 382 metric tonnes each year. This reduction is equivalent to planting nearly 9,000 trees over the next decade.

The project sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the hypermarket sector, showcasing Lulu's dedication to environmental responsibility and renewable energy innovation. Among the first to be connected to the Saudi Electricity Company's grid, Lulu's solar plant highlights sustainability's rising significance in global supply chains. It underscores the power of corporate leadership in driving the green energy transition.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Faisal Khalid Kanoo, director of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Holding, commented, "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."

Lulu Group International collaborated with the Kanoo-CleanMax joint venture — a powerhouse in renewable energy — to bring this ambitious project to fruition. The venture combines the legacy and regional expertise of the Yousef Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, a 130-year-old conglomerate, with the cutting-edge capabilities of CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd., which boasts over 2.1 GW of operational solar PV capacity across Asia.

About the partnership

This partnership reflects Lulu's forward-thinking commitment to sustainability, harnessing Kanoo-CleanMax's industry-leading expertise to deliver tailored clean energy solutions for the commercial and industrial sectors.

"We are incredibly proud to have completed this important solar project in Riyadh, a first for us in 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," said Shehim Mohammed, director of Lulu Hypermarkets, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia aims to produce 50 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, targeting 130 GW of renewable capacity. Lulu's solar project marks a meaningful step toward this goal, highlighting the group's leadership in driving sustainability within the retail sector. By cutting its environmental impact and embracing clean energy, Lulu Group aligns with Vision 2030 while promoting long-term ecological, social, and economic sustainability.

Lulu Group's commitment towards sustainability

As one of the largest retailers in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Lulu Group is deeply committed to integrating sustainability into its strategy and operations. A regional leader in environmental stewardship, the group champions circular economy initiatives and invests in renewable energy projects across Bahrain and the UK. In 2023, Lulu collected 4.9 million plastic bottles and aluminium cans for recycling, while repurposing food waste for biofuel and animal feed.

Manoj Tripathy, CEO of Kanoo Industrial & Energy, stated, "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."

Lulu also emphasises local and organic sourcing, alongside biodegradable packaging, to reduce its environmental footprint. A dedicated Sustainability Department, reporting directly to the board, ensures that all initiatives align with the group's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policy. With a trusted presence in 26 countries, Lulu Group remains at the forefront of sustainable business practices, driving positive change for both society and the planet.