Woolworths Group says it now powers its supermarkets, distribution centres, Big W stores and support offices across Australia and New Zealand with renewable energy, completing a target set in 2020.
The company now meets more than two-thirds of its electricity demand through partnerships and power purchase agreements, combining wind and solar supply. The portfolio is supported by more than 320 on-site solar systems, which generate output equivalent to the consumption of more than 17,000 homes.
The agreements also include large-scale generation certificates aligned with the group’s electricity use, supporting investment in renewable energy projects.
Woolworths has prioritised investment in new renewable electricity projects rather than existing infrastructure to add capacity to the national grid. The company said the milestone is expected to reduce operational emissions by more than 74 per cent, taking it closer to its 80 per cent target by 2030.
“Since December last year, every single supermarket, Big W store, distribution centre, and other Woolworths Group facility across Australia and New Zealand has been running solely on renewable electricity,” said Simon Lowden, Woolworths chief group public affairs, communications and sustainability officer.
Lowden said several of the group’s 14 distribution centres host rooftop solar installations, which reduce grid demand during peak periods and lower pressure on the network.
The milestone was reached at the end of last year and is ahead of the 2030 commitment under the RE100 initiative. The outcome forms part of the Woolworths 360 program, which focuses on design, development and innovation across the business.
“We have an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the country’s clean energy future, which is why we have intentionally backed renewable projects rather than drawing on existing supply,” he said. “By contracting directly with renewable electricity generators and supporting new build assets, we believe that’s the way for a business like ours to add capacity.”
Alongside the transition, energy efficiency remains a focus. Measures include refrigeration upgrades, equipment replacement, LED lighting, store retrofits and changes to the design and construction of distribution centres.
