OurCoop says its renewable energy partnerships now generate enough electricity to power more than 65,000 homes, as the newly launched co-operative group steps up its sustainability plans.

The business, created in January through the merger of Central Co-op, Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star, said it has solar installations across more than 130 locations.

These include store rooftop systems, a solar carport and a mini solar farm. Together, the estate generated around 4.7 million kWh of renewable electricity over the last 12 months, saving more than 800 tonnes of CO2 a year.

OurCoop is also investing in larger renewable supply partnerships through long-term power purchase agreements linked to the London Array offshore wind farm in the Thames Estuary.

The society said one agreement, developed alongside four other independent co-operatives, provides up to 56GWh of green electricity annually, with a second agreement adding further supply.

It also supports more than 380 power purchase agreements with 100 community energy organisations through its Younity joint venture with Octopus Energy. These projects include solar schemes on schools and community buildings.

Head of sustainability Mike Pickering said, “Supporting more than a third of the UK’s community-generated renewable energy reflects our genuine commitment to building a more sustainable, democratic energy system.

“Community energy isn’t just about clean power, it’s about local people having ownership and control over their energy supply, with benefits staying in their communities.”

Beyond energy, OurCoop said it is supporting tree planting and environmental education programmes across other parts of the group, including travel, funeralcare, telecoms and nursery operations.

Pickering added: “”Through Younity, we’re helping these organisations scale up, secure funding and navigate complex regulations so more communities can take charge of their energy future.

“Combined with the renewable energy we’re generating across our own sites, we’re proving that business can be a powerful force for environmental good. This is what purposeful co-operation looks like in practice – and we’re determined to do more.”

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