Total to roll out solar arrays across 5,000 services stations

The project, announced today (15 November), will see around 200MW of solar capacity rolled out across service stations worldwide and is projected to cut the company’s carbon emissions by 100,000 tonnes annually and reduce energy costs by $40m each year.

Around $300m will be invested into the project, which will generate the equivalent amount of electricity to power a city of 200,000 people. Total revealed that 800 solar-fitted service stations will be located in France.

Total’s president of gas, renewables and power Philippe Sauquet said: “The project is fully aligned with Total’s ambition of becoming the responsible energy major and its commitment to developing solar power.

“The panels will be supplied by our affiliate SunPower, which offers the world’s most efficient solar technology. This project demonstrates Total’s confidence in SunPower, especially its ability to bring our customers competitive, clean energy.”

Total has taken several steps towards mitigating its high impact operations. Last year, Total decided to divest from its coal production and marketing, now having completely cut coal from its operations as of the end of 2015. In August 2015, the company sold-off its last mining affiliate, Total Coal South Africa.

Additionally, the company has expanded its concerns to also focus on waste management. Total launched a new range of recyclable polymer packaging made from at least 25% recycled household waste from Western Europe, as part of the companies pledge to embed closed-loop models in its production phase.

The compound will consist of two grades used for blow-molded bottles and heavy duty containers. One grade will have a guarantee attached ensuring that a minimum of 25% is made from post-consumer recycled waste, while the second grade will ensure a 50% guarantee.

Alex Baldwin