Solar and battery project for biscuit factory

The Arnott’s Group, in partnership with CleanPeak Energy, has announced a large-scale solar and battery storage system at its Huntingwood biscuit factory.

The $12 million project, funded through the CleanPeak–Igneo joint venture CPERI, features a rooftop installation of 9000 solar panels expected to generate 6–7 GWh of clean energy annually.

The Huntingwood facility spans 44,000 m² 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.

Designed to operate fully behind the meter, the installed system enhances site efficiency and energy resilience.

Complementing the solar array is an 11 MWh DC battery, which further reduces reliance on the electricity grid, mitigates peak energy charges and 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.

“This integrated solar and battery initiative marks a major milestone in our partnership with CleanPeak Energy to transform our energy usage,” said Tom Vicars, Chief Procurement Officer at The Arnott’s Group. “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.”

Philip Graham, CEO of CleanPeak Energy, added, “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 milestone was marked with a plaque unveiled by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.

Image caption: Unveiling the solar and battery initiative at Huntingwood biscuit factory. Image: Supplied.