Epic Energy launches commercial microgrid

Epic Energy is proud to launch a commercial microgrid at IKEA’s Adelaide store.

The $6.6 million eleXsys Microgrid is a 1.2MW rooftop network of 3,024 solar panels, supported by a 3.45MWh capacity battery the size of three 40ft shipping containers.

The rooftop solar system will generate enough clean energy to deliver 70 per cent of the energy needs of IKEA’s Adelaide store.

The battery is also helping to stabilise South Australia’s electricity network, with surplus clean energy stored in the microgrid’s battery traded into the South Australian network during hours of peak demand while also participating in Frequency Control Ancillary Services markets.

The 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.

Epic Energy Chief Executive Officer Clive D’Cruz said as a leading owner and operator of energy infrastructure, Epic Energy was proud to invest in South Australia’s clean energy transition.

“Investing in this first of its type urban microgrid supports our offtake partner IKEA in achieving their climate-positive goals while benefiting the local community through supporting grid stability,” Mr D’Cruz said.  

The IKEA eleXsys Microgrid supports IKEA Adelaide’s goal of powering its store with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 and transitioning to a climate-positive business.

The IKEA eleXsys Microgrid was partly funded by a $1.95m grant from the South Australian Government’s Renewable Technology Fund. The project was also recognised at the SA Premier’s 2022 Energy & Mining Awards; jointly winning the Innovation and Collaboration category.

With the launch of this facility, Epic Energy is pleased to contribute to the state’s capacity to generate and store renewable energy.

“We’ll continue to collaborate with energy technology providers and customers to invest in assets like this microgrid that deliver clean energy to our customers where and when they need it,” Mr D’Cruz said.