Petrol points of sales now powered by solar energy
The Petrol Group has reached an important milestone in its energy transition. As part of the Petrol Green project, the first three solar power plants were launched on the roofs of Petrol points of sale. By the end of October, solar power plants will be installed at 102 points of sale. Petrol has set a target of equipping all suitable points of sale in Slovenia with sustainable energy sources by the end of next year. At the same time, the documentation and permits for the next phase of the project are being prepared, including in Croatia.
In its strategy, the Petrol Group is committed to a decisive energy transition to co-create a green future. Renewable electricity production plays a particular role in the energy transition, where the Group is already paving the way to become one of the most important providers in the region where they are present. Petrol operates, builds and develops renewable energy power plants from wind, solar and hydro sources at sites in the region where the potential of natural energy sources can be exploited in an economically efficient and environmentally sound way. The Petrol Group also sees great potential in their own buildings and in the roofs of their points of sale. Therefore, in 2022, the Petrol Green project was launched, which will install solar power plants at Petrol points of sale and their other facilities, thus making a significant contribution to meeting Petrol’s strategic sustainability goals, as well as the high national energy and climate targets and the European climate neutrality goal.
Installing solar panels to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce CO2
The first two solar power plants, part of the Petrol Green project, have been launched at the Poljčane point of sale and the Maribor – Na Poljanah point of sale, and by the end of the year, solar panels will have been installed at 102 points of sale across Slovenia. The 87 solar power plants from the Petrol Green project will be joined by the 15 existing ones that have been generating power since 2010. Together, they will reach a capacity of 5.25 MW, generating 5,500 MWh of electricity annually. By installing solar panels, they will ensure that the energy that helps power Petrol points of sale comes from environmentally friendly, sustainable sources. On one hand, this will make an important contribution to reducing CO2 emissions, while at the same time ensuring up to 50% energy self-sufficiency of each point of sale. By optimising energy management and reducing operating costs, the Petrol Group is increasing its ability to invest in new energy and sustainability projects. Petrol is thus implementing an energy transition for itself and its customers, and providing green energy from renewable sources.
The Petrol Green project is divided into several phases: Petrol Green 1 (46 points of sale), Petrol Green 2 (24 points of sale) and Petrol Green 3 (17 points of sale). Petrol received grants for the implementation of the first two phases, based on its application to the Public Call for Proposals for the co-financing of operations for the construction of new small-scale electricity generation plants using solar energy (JR SE RES 2021), published by the Ministry for Infrastructure. At the same time, Petrol is already carrying out activities to prepare documentation and obtain permits for the next phase of the project in Slovenia and its expansion into Croatia.
Petrol is also installing its own solar power plants with e-mobility in mind. This electricity will also be an indispensable power source for all the e-charging stations and battery storage devices that have been or will be installed at Petrol points of sale.
