SM Prime has invested US$2 million in a solar-powered mall in Xiamen, the first of its kind in the Chinese city.

The development comprised the installation of 3740 solar panels on the roof of SM City Xiamen Phase 1 and Phase 2 (SM Lifestyle Center).

The total capacity of the SM Xiamen rooftop solar power project is 1100 kilowatt peak (KWp).

The average generated electricity of the project is estimated at 1.1 million kilowatt hour (KWh) per year. The total generated electricity of the 25-year life cycle will be approximately 27.5 million KWh.

“SM Prime is constantly in pursuit of the highest level of operational efficiency. We want to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs by minimising electricity consumption,” said president Hans Sy.

“In line with this, we place strong emphasis in investing in the latest innovations in sustainable and energy efficient technology.”

Aside from SM City Xiamen, SM Prime has introduced a thermal energy storage plant in SM City Jinjiang. The ice-based cooling system fosters a large reduction in the mall’s utility and energy bills and greatly optimises energy efficiency.

SM Prime will have 48 malls in the Philippines and five in China by year-end.