A microgrid firm is to install 40MWh of energy storage across 27 Walmart stores in California.

Advanced Microgrid Solutions (AMS) says the technology will improve efficiency, create energy savings and provide fast, flexible grid support to local utilities.

AMS added this would be provided at no up-front cost to the retail giant.

The systems will work by reducing each store’s peak electricity demand by optimising energy use and controlling consumption whilst simultaneously providing grid support to regional electricity supplier Southern California Edison.

Walmart aims to power half of its operations with renewables by 2025 and has already installed clean, onsite generation such as solar panels at more than 350 sites.

Mark Vanderhelm, Vice President of Energy for Walmart, said: “Adding energy storage capabilities to our clean energy resources reduces the capacity needed from the grid and is part of our commitment to increase reliance on renewable energy.”

The world’s largest purchasing organisations cut 434 million tonnes of Carbon Dioxide from their supply chains last year.