Ikea moves to make its first energy positive store in Adelaide

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Furniture chain Ikea has begun making its Adelaide store far more sustainable, introducing a grid-connected solar and battery combination that will provide more than 70 per cent of the store’s electricity needs.

The effort, which is being executed through a partnership with Planet Ark Power, the South Australian government, SA power networks and Epic Energy, will see 1.2MW of solar installed on the store’s roof, and a 3MW lithium-ion storage battery installed on-site.

“Collaborations like this have always been the cornerstone of the Ikea way – this is more important now than ever in order to tackle the climate crisis,” said Ingka Group head of climate and energy Karol Gobczyński.

“We are convinced that climate action drives innovation and development [and] Ikea Australia is taking action together with our customers, partners and governments to do our part in creating society powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.”

The transformation is part of the Ikea Australia Clean Energy Transformation Project, which aims to deliver 100 per cent of Ikea Australia’s energy through clean sources, transitioning its delivery fleet to zero emissions, and inspiring its customers to join in a clean energy movement.

“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,” said 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,.”

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