Woolworths has taken another step in its renewable energy strategy, expanding its use of Virtual Net Metering to share solar power from its Townsville distribution centre with seven surrounding stores in real-time. This initiative is powered by Enosi’s Powertracer platform.

In partnership with Enosi and a Queensland-based energy provider, Woolworths is building on its earlier efforts to boost sustainability and reduce energy expenses through smarter use of clean energy.

The Virtual Net Metering system now enables the retailer to optimise its solar output across multiple sites.

Launched initially in August last year, the project has now expanded to allow real-time matching of excess solar energy—generated every 30 minutes—from the Townsville distribution centre to meet daytime energy demand at seven local outlets, including two Big W stores.

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 first phase of the project successfully matched 100% of solar exports—over 400 MWh—to the participating stores, which contributed to direct cost savings and approximately 250 tonnes of avoided carbon emissions.

Powertracer’s system facilitates this by digitally tracking and managing how surplus solar is distributed and accounted for within the energy provider’s billing framework.

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 is designed to let businesses allocate renewable energy across multiple sites, enabling smarter use of existing infrastructure while aligning with both financial and sustainability goals.

By allowing one location’s solar generation to be attributed to another connected site, it enhances transparency, boosts efficiency, and can deliver long-term energy savings.

The latest move by Woolworths marks a continued commitment to decarbonisation and positions Enosi as a key player in providing innovative tools for businesses to manage clean energy portfolios through the national grid.

The group set its target of 100% renewable energy back in 2020, giving itself five years to make the change. It achieved 21.5% of the 100% target in April 2023; there’s more work to be done to convert the group’s electricity use to 100% by end 2025.

As part of its Sustainability Plan 2025, Woolworths Group set a target to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 63% by 2030, using 2015 as the baseline year. As of July 2022, the company had achieved a 31% reduction toward its goal.