Loblaw Powers Up with Canada's Largest Rooftop Solar System

Loblaw Companies Limited is set to install Canada's largest rooftop solar system at its East Gwillimbury Distribution Centre north of Toronto. This significant initiative, expected to be operational in 2026, aims to reduce the company's reliance on the Ontario grid and contribute to its net-zero emissions target.

A Giant Leap in Renewable Energy

Loblaw is installing a massive 7.5-megawatt solar array atop its East Gwillimbury Distribution Centre. The system will cover approximately 435,000 square feet of roof space, an area equivalent to more than seven football fields. Once completed, it is projected to generate over 8.5 million kilowatt hours of clean energy annually, supplying up to 25% of the distribution centre's total electricity needs.

• Largest in Canada: The installation will be the largest rooftop solar system in the country.

• Significant Power Generation: Expected to produce 8.5 million kWh annually.

• Reduced Grid Demand: Will supply a quarter of the distribution centre's power.

• Net-Zero Commitment: Aligns with Loblaw's goal of achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040.

Partnership and Future Outlook

Loblaw is partnering with Great Circle Solar Management Corp., a leader in Canadian renewable energy, for the development, ownership, and operation of the project. This marks another collaboration between the two companies, who have worked together on numerous solar projects across Canada since 2012. Clarke Herring, CEO of Great Circle Solar, described the project as a "marquee transaction" and one of the largest on a single rooftop in North America.

Sustainable Operations

Tom Marson, Vice President of Building Technology and Energy at Loblaw, highlighted that the solar installation complements other sustainable features at the East Gwillimbury Distribution Centre. These include fully-electric shunt trucks and advanced building energy management systems. Loblaw has been actively tracking its energy consumption and carbon emissions since 2011, investing significantly in carbon reduction projects. In 2024, the company achieved a 16% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to its 2020 baseline.

Sources

• Loblaw installing massive rooftop solar array on distribution centre near Toronto, The Globe and Mail.

• Loblaw to Install Canada's Largest Rooftop Solar System, Perishable News.

• Enormous rooftop solar power system in Ontario will be Canada's largest, blogTO.

• Loblaw plans for Canada’s largest rooftop solar installation in East Gwillimbury, Electrical Business Magazine.

• Loblaw DC will have largest solar rooftop in Canada, Supermarket News.