Solar Tim Tams: Arnott’s biscuit factory adds solar and battery to go 100 pct renewable

Australia has plenty of solar powered beer and wine, these days – and even rum. But for those who fancy a cup of tea and biscuit instead, we have good news: the Arnott’s factory in Sydney is quitting fossil fuels.

Global inverter and battery giant Sungrow has teamed up with local renewables outfit CleanPeak Energy to install a 4.95MW/11MWh solar and storage project at the Arnott’s factory in Huntingwood – a system they claim will be one of the largest of its kind in Australia.

It’s big because the 44,000-square-metre manufacturing plant operates 24/7, running five automated production lines that produce around 53% of the group’s overall biscuit output.

Overall the factory employs over 400 workers and produces approximately 56 million kilograms of biscuits a year, including shapes, Jatz crackers, and the beloved Tim Tam.

Arnott’s goal is to run the Huntingwood factory on 100 per cent renewables by 2029.

CleanPeak’s solar and battery aims to supply more than 7GWh of renewable energy, with the help of Sungrow’s SG4950HV-MV inverter.

“The inverter’s intelligent O&M system guarantees precise energy management, optimising performance across various weather conditions,” Sungrow says.

CleanPeak Energy CEO Philip Graham says it selected Sungrow after a comprehensive selection process to deliver “one of the largest integrated solar / battery projects located behind the meter in Australia.”

“Our customer, Arnott’s will receive ‘firmed’ secure renewable energy at the Huntingwood facility ensuring the iconic Tim Tam Biscuit is made with renewable energy for many years to come,” Graham said this week.

“This latest project further cements Sungrow’s position as a reliable and trustworthy partner in the region,” says Joe Zhou, APAC vice president of Sungrow.

“Leveraging Sungrow’s expertise in grid support and renewable energy technology, Arnott’s sustainable energy consumption is guaranteed.”