Solar and wind energy will become the main electricity source for Horsham and Ararat ALDI supermarkets after the company pledged a 2021 zero emissions target.

ALDI Australia’s move to 100 percent renewable energy will involve a vast solar installation program and two 10-year Power Purchase  Agreements with large scale wind farms.

 The wind farms, located in the New South Wales Southern Tablelands and southwest Victoria, will provide renewable energy to all of ALDI’s New South Wales and Victorian stores. 

Australian leaders of the German-based supermarket giant announced the renewable energy push following a successful 40 percent reduction to emissions since 2012. 

The company has earmarked late 2020 as a target to install more than 102,000 solar panels across 250 Australian stores and six distribution centres.

Chief executive Tom Daunt said the installation would prevent more than 41,000 tonnes of carbon emissions entering the atmosphere each year. 

“We are proud to have built a reputation for providing customers with high quality products and an affordable shopping experience. As we continue our journey in Australia, we want to reassure our shoppers that how we conduct business is equally important as the value we offer,” he said. 

ALDI will use its large rooftops to harness more than 15 percent of its total energy use from the sun. 

This will see ALDI have Australia’s largest commercial and industrial solar roll-out to date, equivalent to taking 11,700 cars off the road each year or generating enough electricity to power 7000 average Australian homes.

The Wimmera has two ALDI supermarkets in Hamilton Street, Horsham, and Moore Street, Ararat. 

The entire September 16, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!