ALDI powers up its solar support for UNSW’s Sunswift Racing in World Solar Challenge

ALDI Australia today takes the next step in its support for innovation and renewable energy, announcing its sponsorship of UNSW Sunswift Racing as it vies for first place in the 2023 World Solar Challenge.

Sunswift Racing, who have participated in the bi-yearly event since its first race in 1997, are at the forefront of solar technology. The World Solar challenge, taking place from 22 to 29 October for a global audience of 25 million, sees see the Sunswift team race a specially designed and built vehicle, powered solely by the sun and their wits, across 3,025km of outback terrain from Darwin to Adelaide – and represents the future of EV technology.

ALDI Australia is the first and only supermarket to be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity and is always looking forward to the future of its sustainability initiatives. Sunswift Racing has seen some great successes over the years, and ALDI is excited to support the team as they look to continue their tradition of representing Australia in the Cruiser Class category.

“Sunswift Racing are thrilled to be partnering with ALDI Australia. We both share the same values towards sustainability and what better way to team up than joining us on our journey from Darwin to Adelaide for the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge,” says Professor Richard Hopkins, Team Principal UNSW Sunswift Racing.

The support is another example of ALDI Australia’s strong commitment to renewable electricity, as the first (and only) Australian supermarket to shift to 100 per cent renewable electricity across all its operations. An achievement that was recently verified in the 2023 Corporate Emissions Reduction Transparency (CERT) Report. ALDI is also expanding its network of solar panels across 25 additional stores over the next 18 months, saving an additional 3,400 megawatt hours (MWh) of power every year. Additionally, ALDI Australia is currently trialling chiller doors in stores across Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, after a successful initial trial reduced refrigeration energy usage by approximately 30 per cent.

“Sustainability is at the core of ALDI’s values and operations, that is why we have an ongoing commitment to Making a Good Difference for our planet. It’s this focus that has seen ALDI become the only major Australian supermarket to fully power its operations using 100 per cent renewable electricity, alongside a wealth of other sustainability achievements and commitments,” says Daniel Baker, ALDI Australia’s Sustainability Director.

“We’re proud to support UNSW Sunswift Racing as they look to take out gold for Australia and promote the potential of innovation and renewable energy.”

You can read more about ALDI’s approach to renewable energy and sustainability here.