InRange and CDS turn warehouse into 2.5MW energy network asset

We are proud to announce that as part of our partnership with CDS Superstores, we've delivered a 2.5 megawatt rooftop solar installation at The Range's Challenger 1 distribution centre in Avonmouth.

The 1.2 million sqft warehouse, one of the UK's largest, is highly electrified with forklifts and EV trucks. This solar installation generates over 2 million kWh of energy annually, delivering about half on-site to offset a significant portion of demand and provide long-term cost savings to CDS. Surplus energy not used on-site is sold to data centres on the InRange network, including Iron Mountain Data Centers.

This unique "up-sizing" model, where excess energy from larger installations is sold into an energy network, enables rooftops to be utilised far beyond their on-site demand. Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, recognises how this reflects a broader shift in how physical infrastructure is utilised:

“Our distribution centres and stores are no longer just operational assets,” he said. “Installing solar delivers immediate cost benefits, but connecting these sites into an energy network allows us to generate more power, use it more efficiently, and contribute to the wider system as we work towards net zero.”

With sharply rising global energy prices, as seen now with the on-going conflict involving Iran, and prior with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, businesses are extremely exposed to market volatility and lack energy security. Despite the scale of available rooftop space, less than 5% of commercial and industrial (C&I) buildings in the UK and Europe have installed solar. This model addresses a key barrier to adoption of C&I rooftop solar.

“Large commercial rooftops can generate far more power than they consume. By connecting these assets into the wider energy system, we can reduce costs, unlock new revenue streams and deliver clean electricity to where it’s needed most.” - John Mushriqui, CEO, InRange

This 2.5 megawatt deployment on Challenger 1 is the first phase of a wider programme, which will combine even more solar alongside battery storage and smart demand management. Once fully developed, the site is expected to rank among the largest rooftop solar installations in the UK.

We look forward to our continued partnership with CDS in their ambitious journey toward net zero, with plans to deliver 40 MW of solar and storage across their real estate portfolio.

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CDS Superstores is one of the fastest growing retail brands in the UK, including The Range, wilko, Homebase, and Bathstore, with hundreds of stores across the UK. CDS is publicly committed to achieving the highest standard of environmental performance, recognising its corporate responsibility to the environment.

InRange is streamlining the entire renewable energy procurement process, unlocking new revenue streams for landlords and saving energy costs for tenants. The InRange platform provides guaranteed long term fixed export tariffs, with AI-powered matching of surplus energy to data centre and other in-network building demand through the InRange Marketplace. Contact hello@inrange.io for inquiries.