Woolworths expands solar project with Virtual Net Metering

Woolworths has expanded its use of Virtual Net Metering, matching solar energy from its Townsville distribution centre with real-time demand across seven local stores using Enosi's Powertracer platform.

Enosi, in collaboration with Woolworths and a Queensland energy provider, has extended its Virtual Net Metering project as part of a broader effort to enhance energy sustainability and reduce operational costs for the retailer.

The expanded project builds on an initial launch from August last year, with Powertracer now facilitating the optimisation of clean electricity usage across a network of Woolworths locations. The platform matches surplus solar generation from the Townsville distribution centre, every 30 minutes, to the daytime electricity needs of seven stores in the Townsville region, which includes two Big W locations.

Steve Hoy, Chief Executive Officer of Enosi, said: "Our mission is to unlock clean energy for all, ensuring that every unit of electricity generated is put to its most effective use within the Woolworths portfolio. This partnership with Woolworths demonstrates the power of Virtual Net Metering in making distributed renewable electricity a smarter, lower cost and more sustainable solution for businesses."

The initial deployment of the platform enabled 100% matching of solar export—over 400 MWh to date—with the participating stores, resulting in direct cost reductions and an estimated 250 tonnes in carbon savings. The Powertracer system manages the transfer of excess solar energy between various Woolworths sites, allowing cost savings through integration with the energy provider's billing framework. It also provides detailed data on energy attribution via its digital interface.

Michael Shelley, Woolworths Group General Manager, Green Energy Transition, said: "Our operations are energy intensive. We're pleased with the results and how this technology supports our green electricity ambition. Optimising ongoing electricity costs and emissions reductions is significant. We are now exploring how to apply this model across in other areas of our national network."

Enosi's Virtual Net Metering solution enables organisations to manage and distribute renewable electricity across multiple locations, aligning economic goals with environmental targets. The technology allows a unit of electricity generated at one site to be utilised at any connected site on the grid. According to Enosi, this approach increases transparency, improves efficiency, and can lower energy costs for participating businesses.

The latest expansion with Woolworths marks another milestone for Enosi as it continues to develop tools that support businesses in managing their renewable energy portfolios. The company's efforts focus on advancing solutions that help meet both economic and environmental objectives by leveraging the existing electricity grid.