IKEA Australia Announces First Renewable Energy Positive Store

IKEA Australia has announced the launch of Australia’s first store, which will generate more renewable energy than it consumes, by covering the roof and parking areas with solar panels and installing a storage solution which will support the South Australian power grid, in addition to powering its Adelaide store. This is the latest initiative on Ingka Group’s journey towards becoming climate positive* by 2030.

The IKEA Australia Clean Energy Transformation Project will transition IKEA Adelaide to operating with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025 and will generate low cost and clean energy for the Adelaide community.

The project is run in conjunction with Planet Ark Power, the South Australian Government, SA Power Networks and Epic Energy.

“IKEA Australia is excited to be working with such inspirational partners to help shift the dial on clean energy production in Australia and we are thrilled that this project will create new opportunities for job creation, innovation, economic growth and reduced energy costs,” says Jan Gardberg, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Australia.

“Our ambition is to be the first mover and inspire other IKEA stores to install larger solar installations, batteries and digital solutions. Planet Ark Power’s eleXsys energy management system will support the balancing of the electricity grid not just on stores in Australia, but across the IKEA network around the world,” he says.

The IKEA Australia Clean Energy Transformation Project will help achieve three goals in its sustainability agenda including:

• being powered by 100% clean energy
• transitioning our delivery fleet to 100% zero-emissions
• inspiring our customers in joining a clean energy movement.

As a first stage of the project, solar panels will be installed on the rooftop of IKEA Adelaide, together with an onsite battery. Surplus stored energy will be traded into the South Australian network when demand is at its highest. EV chargers will be installed on site for customers, co-workers and the IKEA delivery fleet servicing South Australia. In the second stage, sustainably sourced timber PV share structures will be set up across the car park, where additional solar panels will be hosted.

“Collaborations like this have always been a cornerstone of the IKEA way – this is more important now than ever in order to tackle the climate crisis. Change will only come if we work together. We are convinced that climate action drives innovation and development. IKEA Australia is taking action together with our customers, partners and governments to do our part in creating society powered by 100% renewable energy,” says Karol Gobczyński, Global Head of Climate & Energy, Ingka Group.

Source : IKEA 

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