The Arnott’s Group, in partnership with CleanPeak Energy, has officially unveiled a large-scale solar and battery storage system at its Huntingwood biscuit factory, marking a significant step in its journey toward renewable electricity.
The milestone was marked with Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, The Hon. Chris Bowen MP, who unveiled a plaque.
The $12 million project, funded through the CleanPeak-Igneo joint venture CPERI, features a rooftop installation of 9,000 solar panels expected to generate 6–7 GWh of clean energy annually. Designed to operate fully behind the meter, the system enhances site efficiency and energy resilience.
Complementing the solar array is an 11 MWh DC battery, which helps further reduce reliance on the electricity grid, mitigate peak energy charges and ultimately delivers lower overall energy costs for Arnott’s.
Together, the solar and battery system will supply approximately 25% of the site’s electricity needs. The remainder will be sourced from a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy, with a growing share coming from CleanPeak’s NSW solar farm portfolio.
The Arnott’s Group Chief Procurement Officer Tom Vicars said: “This integrated solar and battery initiative marks a major milestone in our partnership with CleanPeak Energy to transform our energy usage. 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 CEO Philip Graham said: “We are delighted to have delivered for Arnott’s one of the largest C&I Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems in the country. 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”.
CleanPeak led the design and delivery of the project, selecting Longi and Sungrow as panel and battery suppliers through a rigorous procurement and due diligence process. Environmental considerations were also front of mind, with landscaping and tree planting undertaken to preserve local biodiversity.
The Huntingwood facility spans 44,000 sqm and operates 24/7, producing around 53% of The Arnott’s Group’s total biscuit volume. It employs over 400 people and bakes approximately 56 million kilograms of biscuits annually – including iconic Australian favourites such as Tim Tam, Shapes, and Jatz.
