24 May 2023

Today, the IKEA Microgrid, Australia’s largest commercial microgrid, was officially switched on, delivering low cost, clean energy for IKEA while helping to stabilise South Australia’s local electricity network for energy consumers.

Comprising 3024 solar panels covering 23,500 square meters of roof space (over 10 times the size of the Adelaide oval), the microgrid generates 1.2 MW of solar power connected to an on-site 3.45 MWh capacity lithium-ion battery, controlled by an innovative eleXsys Energy Management System.

At launch, the microgrid provides more than 70% of energy needs of IKEA’s Adelaide store with potential to scale up.

Benefits to South Australia’s energy consumers flow from the microgrid’s ability to generate and store renewable energy, and eleXsys management system to stabilise the local power grid, helping to put downward pressure on energy prices.

By reducing energy costs, this initiative secures jobs across the supply chain.

As a bonus, IKEA will be installing electric vehicle chargers on-site, available for customers, staff, and the IKEA delivery fleet.

This unique grid-connected microgrid is the result of a partnership between Epic Energy, IKEA Australia, Planet Ark Power, SA Power Networks, and the South Australian Government with a grant from the Renewable Technology Fund.

With over 150 MW of installed residential storage capacity and almost 465 MW of energy storage capacity in the state, South Australia is leading the way in clean energy solutions as the world strives to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.