Coles Group Installs 3.5 MW Rooftop Solar System in Sydney

Australian supermarket leader Coles Group has taken a significant stride towards its ambitious goal of operating on 100% renewable electricity by 2025. The company has officially commissioned a massive 3.5 MW rooftop solar system at its new state-of-the-art automated distribution center (ADC) in Kemps Creek, Western Sydney.

This new installation is a cornerstone of a wider $1 billion investment in supply chain efficiency. Located 40 kilometers from Sydney’s CBD, the 66,000-square-meter facility is now partially powered by one of the largest commercial solar arrays in the company’s portfolio. The ADC itself is a logistical powerhouse, designed to process four million cartons of goods weekly for 229 stores across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The 3.5 MW capacity of this project matches a similar system installed by Coles in Queensland in 2023, underscoring the company’s commitment to large-scale, behind-the-meter generation.

The Kemps Creek project is part of a multi-faceted approach to decarbonization. Coles is collaborating with Origin Energy on a three-year plan to co-invest in new solar systems, battery storage, and flexible load controls at stores nationwide. This partnership builds on an already substantial solar footprint; by mid-2023, 88 Coles supermarkets were equipped with rooftop solar panels, generating significant clean power. Another notable project includes the 3.5 MW system at its Oakdale dry goods facility, where 7,000 solar panels already supply 32% of that site’s electricity needs.

Beyond on-site generation, Coles Group secures renewable energy through long-term agreements for large-scale generation certificates. These partnerships with developers like Neoen, Engie, Acciona Energia, and Origin Energy source power from various solar and wind farms across several Australian states. This strategy reflects a broader trend noted by the Clean Energy Regulator, which identifies the retail sector as a key driver in the installation of mid-scale commercial renewable energy projects. Origin Energy, a major partner, is also undergoing its own green transition, planning to close Australia’s largest coal-fired power station while acquiring new utility-scale solar projects, aligning its business model with corporate clean energy goals.

Sources

1. [PDF] Australian Concentrating Solar Thermal Industry Roadmap
2. [PDF] Mid-scale Solar PV System Projections – Clean Energy Regulator
3. Coles New Distribution Centre – Supermarket News
4. [PDF] Media Release – Coles Group
5. [PDF] 2025 Sustainability Report – Coles Group
6. Supermarket giant installs 3.5 MW rooftop solar system on new facility