January 28, 2009—Wal-Mart Mexico has successfully concluded the installation of a photovoltaic complex designed to generate 20% of the energy used by Bodega Aurrera Aguascalientes. The project, with 174 kW installed, is the largest photovoltaic complex in Latin America, according to ANES (the Mexican Solar Energy Association), and will eliminate the emission of some 140 tons of CO2. ANES gave an award to Wal-Mart Mexico as recognition for this project.
The installation is reportedly the first large-scale photovoltaic project not only for Wal-Mart Mexico, but for Wal-Mart International, and the companies involved see the unique project as the forerunner to allow the technology to be used in many similar situations in the future.
Over 1,056 solar panels installed on the roof of the store will transform sun energy into electricity. The solar or photovoltaic panels were installed in 2,173.5 square meters, the equivalent of half the roof of Bodega Aurrera Convencion in Aguascalientes.
In 2005, Wal-Mart Mexico committed to the following sustainability efforts:
- 100% renewable energy sources by 2025;
- Zero water discharges by 2025;
- 25% increase in eco-friendly item catalog by 2012; and
- Zero wastes by 2025.
