Expansion of Installing Open Refrigerator Doors
Up to 63% Reduction in Power Consumption
Introduction of Smart Energy System
Recently, with the increase in electricity rates, the burden on the distribution industry, which is struggling due to the economic downturn, is intensifying. Convenience stores and large supermarkets have begun to devise measures to reduce electricity costs.
On the 16th, the convenience store and large supermarket industries expanded the installation of doors on open refrigerators. CU installed a sealed refrigerator at the CU Jang-an Tourist Hotel branch last month. By introducing a sealed refrigerator with double doors, they are measuring the electricity energy-saving effect while also verifying food safety maintenance and user convenience. All refrigerated products previously displayed in open refrigerators, such as ready meals, dairy products, home meal replacements (HMR), side dishes, fruits, and vegetables, can be sold in this equipment. The temperature inside the equipment can be uniformly maintained below 5 degrees Celsius despite external temperature changes.
GS25 has been testing a sealed refrigerator since March this year at the GS25 Yeondae 2 branch and plans to install an additional one at the GS25 Yeoksam Hongin branch this month. Lotte Mart started installing them at the Cheongnyangni branch in September 2021 and has completed installation at 45 stores to date. They plan to expand to about 30 more stores by the end of July. Installing doors on open refrigerators can reduce power consumption by up to 63%. According to an analysis by the Food Safety Information Service, if doors are installed on all refrigerators nationwide, it could save 1,780 GWh of electricity annually. Additionally, it would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 810,000 tons per year, equivalent to the amount absorbed by 110,000 pine trees or ten times the forest area of Hallasan Mountain.
Convenience stores are introducing smart energy systems in their stores and increasing support for franchise owners. CU installed high-efficiency refrigerated display cases, solar lighting fixtures, and energy-saving outlets in its eco-friendly platform, ‘Green Store.’ These stores can manage real-time electricity usage through the Energy Management System (REMS), reducing electricity consumption by up to 20% compared to regular stores. GS25 has invested in and introduced the Smart Energy Management System (SEMS) to efficiently manage energy in its stores. Seven Eleven is testing integrated control systems and energy-saving systems in some stores and will provide operational support funds instead of up to 50% electricity bill support starting from new contracts in April.
A convenience store industry official said, “Going forward, the franchise headquarters will continue to focus on improving profitability by introducing differentiated products and services to increase store sales while making various efforts to reduce costs.”
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