The Arnott’s Group has launched a large-scale solar and battery storage system at its Huntingwood biscuit factory in western Sydney, developed in partnership with CleanPeak Energy.
The $12 million project includes 9,000 rooftop solar panels designed to generate 6–7 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, along with an 11-megawatt-hour battery system.
In a news release, The Arnott’s Group said the project will provide about a quarter of the factory’s energy needs, with the balance sourced from a mix of renewable and non-renewable electricity, including CleanPeak’s solar farms in New South Wales.
Tom Vicars, Chief Procurement Officer at The Arnott’s Group, said the installation marked a significant step in reducing the company’s reliance on fossil fuels.
“This integrated solar and battery initiative marks a major milestone in our partnership with CleanPeak Energy to transform our energy usage,” Vicars said.
“By generating nearly one-quarter of our energy needs onsite and progressively sourcing the remainder from CleanPeak’s solar farms, we’re making meaningful progress toward our goal of 100% renewable energy by 2029, for the largest site in our network.”
CleanPeak Energy oversaw the design and delivery of the system, selecting Longi and Sungrow as panel and battery suppliers.
The company said environmental measures, such as tree planting and landscaping, were incorporated into the project to help protect biodiversity.
Philip Graham, CEO of CleanPeak Energy, said the project demonstrated how renewables could be applied directly to industrial operations.
“We are delighted to have delivered for Arnott’s one of the largest C&I Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems in the country,” Graham said.
“This installation is proof of what is possible in building renewables where they are directly used in the manufacturing process, and should be a blueprint for industrial players serious about implementing 100% renewable electricity solutions to lower cost.”
The Huntingwood facility spans 44,000 square metres and runs 24 hours a day, producing around 53 per cent of The Arnott’s Group’s total biscuit output.
The Arnott’s Group said the factory employs more than 400 people and produces about 56 million kilograms of biscuits each year, including well-known products such as Tim Tam, Shapes and Jatz.
