HighFlow Energy has designed a fully managed, zero upfront cost clean energy solution for a regional grocery retail facility in Victoria. By integrating existing rooftop solar with next-generation SodiumSafe battery storage and future-ready EV charging infrastructure, the project aims to significantly cut energy costs, improve grid resilience and reduce carbon emissions.
To be delivered under the HighFlow Flex Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, the solution provides long-term energy stability and sustainability leadership without capital expenditure or added complexity for the operator.
Key Metrics
- Location: Regional Victoria
- Annual Energy Consumption: ~878,000 kWh
- Existing Rooftop Solar: ~70 kW
- Proposed Battery Storage: 1.2 MWh SodiumSafe battery
- Current Annual Energy Cost: ~$143,000
- Estimated Annual Savings: ~$74,000
- CO₂ Emissions Avoided: ~349 tonnes pa
- 15-Year Energy Savings: Over $1.1 million
- Energy Model: HighFlow Flex (EaaS, 15-year term)
The Challenge
The facility operates with a consistent, high electricity load, averaging 65,000 to 80,000 kWh per month. Rising retail and network electricity charges, combined with over $22,000 annually in peak demand costs, placed pressure on operational margins.
The operator also required a resilient energy solution to mitigate grid instability and wanted to future-proof the site for transport electrification. However, pursuing renewable upgrades via traditional capital investment was not viable due to budgetary priorities and the complexity of ongoing energy system management.
The Solution
HighFlow Energy proposed a no-CAPEX solution using the HighFlow Flex model. This approach leverages the site’s existing rooftop solar and adds a 1.2 MWh SodiumSafe battery system designed to provide load shifting, peak shaving and backup power capabilities. The battery also enables the facility to participate in HighFlow’s AI-optimised Virtual Power Plant (VPP), providing a new revenue stream through energy trading, with the operator receiving a share of the earnings.
The fixed monthly payment offers immediate operational savings while locking in long-term price certainty. The solution includes all maintenance, monitoring, compliance and AI-based optimisation, removing the need for internal resources to manage the system. A 15-year pro rata purchase option and contract transferability provide flexibility for future operational or ownership changes.
The Outcome
The proposed system is expected to reduce the facility’s energy expenses by approximately $74,000 per year, while avoiding over 349 tonnes of CO₂ annually – equivalent to offsetting emissions from 63 households or planting over 13,400 trees each year.
Over 15 years, the operator is projected to save more than $1.1 million while gaining improved energy security and reduced exposure to energy market volatility. The site will also be ready to support EV charging infrastructure, aligning with future transport electrification goals.
Why It Matters
This project highlights how essential regional businesses can lead in Australia’s clean energy transition without the burden of capital investment. By leveraging HighFlow’s EaaS model and SodiumSafe battery technology, the operator gains economic, environmental and operational advantages that would be difficult to achieve through traditional models. It’s a smart, scalable approach for any energy-intensive industry seeking to decarbonise and de-risk energy operations, today and into the future.