Thai retail giant Central plans more rooftop solar, EVs in Vietnam

Thailand’s Central Group has plans to intensify the use of rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EVs) at its establishments in Vietnam as part of its Net Zero emission strategy.

Under an agreement with Tona Syntegra Solar (TSS), TSS will provide and install solutions such as rooftop solar systems, solar carport systems (EV charging), Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), electric forklifts and trucks at its mini-go! facilities.

The deal was inked in Dong Nai province, an industrial and manufacturing hub adjacent to Ho Chi Minh City, on Thursday, according to a corporate announcement.

The value of the contract with TSS, a Swiss-German-Vietnamese joint venture, was not disclosed.

The partnership with TSS will promote Central Group’s Net Zero ambition, improve energy efficiency, and cut carbon emissions, said Olivier Langlet, CEO of Central Retail Vietnam.

An operational rooftop solar installation at Central Retail’s mini-mall in Dong Nai’s Nhon Trach district generates 551 MWh a year, equivalent to a reduction of 373 tons of carbon dioxide or the plantation of 5,595 trees.

Central Retail will expand a similar system to its mini-mall network across Vietnam, added the announcement.

Present in Vietnam since 2012, the Thai retailer has expanded its network to 340-plus stores and supermarkets in 42 out of 63 localities in the country, serving some 500,000 clients per day, according to the firm’s website.