Iberdrola Australia has entered into an agreement to supply all of Woolworths Group’s operations in South Australia with 100% renewable electricity.
The agreement will enable Woolworths Group’s almost 70 supermarkets, 17 Big W stores and regional distribution centre in South Australia to fully transition to renewable electricity.
The renewable energy supply arrangement is in place until 31 December 2030.
The arrangement comprises a retail electricity supply contract with the supply of renewable energy certificates to come from Iberdrola Australia’s newly constructed Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park, the largest hybrid wind-solar plant in the southern hemisphere.
The 320MW facility comprises 50 wind turbines and 250,000 solar panels.
Woolworths Group is Australia’s largest retailer, representing around 1% of the country’s total energy use.
In line with the milestone announced for the retailer’s South Australian operations today, over the next three years Woolworths Group will gradually replace traditional energy contracts in other states with green agreements.
These practical steps form part of Woolworths Group’s commitment to become 100% powered by renewable energy by 2025.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said: “South Australia has long been a world leader in renewable energy, paving the way for more businesses to switch to clean energy.
“This is the way the world is moving.
“Private capital is now leading the charge in backing clean energy, which presents a big opportunity for South Australian jobs. Which is why the State Labor Government is working to ensure we maintain our position as a national leader on renewable energy.
“I congratulate Woolworths Group on this exciting initiative.”
Iberdrola Australia CEO and managing director Ross Rolfe said: “The Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park is the largest hybrid wind-solar farm in the southern hemisphere.
“It operates alongside Iberdrola Australia’s large and rapidly growing fleet of wind, solar, battery and peaking generators, enabling us to provide our customers with electricity supply arrangements that are at once reliable, affordable and clean.”