Integrated energy & carbon strategies: A Playbook for future-proofing Australian manufacturing

Why this matters now

In 2024, Australia faced rising energy costs driven by aging coal assets, variable renewables, and elevated gas prices linked to a tight LNG market expected to continue through 2025. Grid congestion intensified, with AEMO reporting delays across nearly all major transmission projects, slowing renewable integration and increasing supply-side pressure. At the same time, compliance expectations are rising. The Safeguard Mechanism is projected to cut emissions by only 12% by 2030, while the Climate Change Act mandates a 43% national reduction. The Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy and TNFD are increasing scrutiny on emissions reporting and carbon performance. Agile Energy helps navigate this landscape by delivering emissions reductions through on-site solutions, reducing grid exposure, and enabling real-time reporting aligned with current policy and  ESG demands.

Busting the myths: Decarbonisation isn’t just for big business

There’s a persistent myth in Australian industry that energy transformation is only  viable for large manufacturing sites. That’s simply not true. Modular solar and battery systems can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, especially with zero-capex models like Agile Energy’s Power Purchase Agreements. Shared infrastructure via embedded networks lets smaller businesses in industrial parks access renewable energy without the complexity or upfront costs. Beyond emissions cuts, these solutions reduce operating costs, improve resilience, and boost ESG credentials, benefits that are just as critical for smaller manufacturers. Agile Energy partners with businesses across Australia, removing capital barriers and simplifying the journey to cleaner energy at every scale.ture via embedded networks, we remove the capital barrier and simplify the complexity.

What's right for your business?

Hedging vs. Self-Generation vs. Retail Agreements

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why Agile Energy takes a portfolio approach, helping clients compare the three key levers available to manufacturers today:

1. Hedging (Financial Contracts)

Used to lock in future energy costs via futures or market-based derivatives. While this reduces exposure to spot volatility, it offers no decarbonisation value and requires strong market timing.

• Useful for large energy users

• Doesn’t reduce emissions

• Still exposed to peak demand charges and capacity costs

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2. Self-Generation (On-Site Solar + Battery)

We design systems that generate clean electricity at your facility, reducing grid reliance and cutting Scope 2 emissions. Paired with storage, it also allows for demand management and peak shaving.

• Cuts both costs and emissions

• Enables ESG alignment and certification

• Can be deployed via Industrial PPA  (no capex required)

• Requires physical space and grid coordination (which we manage)

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3. Retail Agreements (GreenPower, Renewable Retailers)

Some manufacturers choose to buy certified renewable energy through their retailer. While this delivers emissions benefits on paper, it often comes at a premium and doesn’t solve grid volatility or exposure to peak usage charges.

• Good for brand alignment

• Higher cost, less control

• Doesn’t improve site resilience or load flexibility

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Agile Energy works with each client to model the right blend of on-site assets, financial hedges, and retail contracts tailored to their goals, constraints, and  busines cycle.

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The Agile Energy approach

Agile Energy brings together everything a manufacturer needs to take control  of energy and carbon in one integrated, cost-effective solution.

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We deliver:

• Solar PV: Designed for your site (rooftop, ground-mounted, or carport) and  engineered for long-term performance.

• Battery Storage: Optimised to your load profile, delivering flexibility, backup,  and cost savings.

• Smart Energy Software: Real-time dashboards and analytics tools that give CFOs and COOs clarity and control.

• Carbon Strategy: Emissions baselining, carbon offset support, and Climate Active-ready reporting.

• Zero-Capex Delivery: With Agile’s Industrial PPA, we design, fund, and operate your system. You pay only for the energy often below your current rates.

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The Playbook: 5 steps to smarter energy

Step 1: Know your numbers

Agile benchmarks your energy profile  including tariff structure, peak demand charges, load patterns and emissions to uncover hidden inefficiencies.

Step 2: Plan the right mix

We build a tailored roadmap that balances generation, storage, electrification readiness, and carbon certification. Everything works together, engineered to your specific needs.

Step 3: Deploy without CapEx

Through our Industrial PPA, Agile covers all upfront costs. You benefit from immediate savings, improved ESG metrics, and zero disruption to operations.

Step 4: Digitise & optimise

Agile’s platform continuously tracks system performance, emissions reductions, and cost outcomes enabling smarter decisions and simplified reporting.

Step 5: Report & reinvest

Savings are redirected into your operations, workforce, or further emissions reduction projects. Agile supports ongoing ESG compliance and reporting.

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Why manufacturers choose Agile Energy

Agile is a strategic energy partner not just a solar company. We help manufacturers:

• Reduce energy costs without capex

• Cut emissions with real, verifiable outcomes

• Simplify ESG reporting and compliance

• Access grants and navigate regulatory incentives Build resilience into operations and supply chain relationships

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