Key Highlights
– 35 solar sites currently managed by GEM Energy
– 2.97 GWh of clean electricity produced last year
– $377,000 saved annually, strengthening UnitingCare’s profit-for-purpose mission
– 24 more systems coming online by July 2026
A Strategic Partnership for Change
UnitingCare set a target to reach 25% renewable energy by 2027. Achieving that meant more than just installing solar panels, it required the right partner to navigate aging sites, diverse locations, and a complex organisational structure. That partner was GEM Energy.
Why GEM Energy?
When UnitingCare went through a closed tender process, GEM Energy stood out not only for competitive pricing, but for their proven ability to deliver projects nationwide and manage complex environments. “What really stood out was GEM’s performance guarantee. We could see they had confidence in the products they sell, and they truly understand how important reliability is for their customers. Knowing they would back their systems and compensate if they underperformed gave us real confidence. Their flexibility and responsiveness during delays was also invaluable.” Jeremy Chirpaz, Senior Environmental Sustainability Advisor, UnitingCare For UnitingCare, this was their first major step into decarbonisation. GEM approached it as a genuine partnership, not just a contract. “GEM’s response was strong, not just competitively priced, but thoughtful. They showed they could handle projects across geographically diverse sites. That scale mattered to us.”
Flexibility in Action
What defined the partnership was GEM’s adaptability. They adjusted safety management plans, updated stakeholder communications, and aligned with UnitingCare’s internal processes, all without losing momentum. “They were agile, and they listened. When we needed changes, they responded quickly and worked through them. That’s a sign of a partner, not just a contractor.”
Since 2017, GEM Energy has engineered, installed and managed around 35 solar sites for UnitingCare. More projects are on the way, with 9 large systems and 15 smaller ones expected to be energised by July 2026.
Making a Real Impact
The results speak for themselves. In the last financial year, GEM-installed systems generated 2.97 GWh of clean electricity. Over 95% of that energy was used on-site, directly offsetting grid consumption. The program delivered $377,000 in annual savings, supporting UnitingCare’s ongoing financial sustainability. “For our staff, these projects are visible proof of action. They’ve been asking for more sustainability in our operations, and now they see it happening. And for us as an organisation, the financial savings go directly back into supporting people.”
Shared Values, Shared Future
Jeremy credits the strong relationship to shared values. Both organisations strive to raise standards—UnitingCare in care delivery, GEM in renewable energy. “The real advantage of working with GEM is that they’re growing with us. Whether it’s batteries, EV charging, or virtual power plants, GEM is already ahead of the curve. That gives us trust and continuity.” With GEM’s expertise, UnitingCare is now exploring battery storage, and large-scale renewable projects backed by ARENA, including their first major market-facing battery deployment.
A True Partnership
The solar journey has been about more than technology, it’s been about collaboration, learning, and trust. GEM Energy has helped UnitingCare navigate complexity, deliver measurable results, and plan confidently for the future.“GEM helped us through challenges, delivered impact, and positioned us for what comes next.”
Why GEM is Different
At the heart of GEM Energy’s success is a rare balance between agility and governance. The business moves with the speed and innovation of an SME, yet operates with the structure and accountability of a corporation. This dual capability, corporate strength with entrepreneurial agility, has become a defining strength. For partners like UnitingCare, it means not just solar installations, but a future-focused relationship built on trust, performance, and operational excellence.