Mars Petcare Wodonga Leading the Way in Industrial Decarbonisation with Solar Thermal Innovation
Key Ideas
  • Mars Petcare Wodonga is pioneering industrial decarbonisation in Australia by implementing an 18MW renewable heat system using CST and electric thermal energy storage, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2026.
  • The project, supported by ARENA, will displace 50% of the site's gas consumption, equivalent to the annual usage of over 2,000 households, showcasing the potential for cost-effective renewable solutions.
  • The CST project, costing AUD $39.3 million, includes a significant investment from ARENA and Mars and demonstrates how CST, eTES, and green hydrogen can work together to achieve sustainable manufacturing processes.
  • The project's success highlights the importance of industry-government collaboration in advancing renewable energy technologies, creating jobs, reducing costs, and enhancing energy security by decreasing reliance on gas.
Mars Petcare Wodonga is at the forefront of industrial decarbonisation in Australia with its innovative renewable energy project. The company, in collaboration with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), is implementing a groundbreaking renewable heat solution at its Wodonga factory. This project, which focuses on concentrated solar thermal (CST) technology, aims to achieve net-zero emission process heat and electricity, making Mars Petcare Wodonga the first large steam-based food manufacturer in Australia to reach this milestone. The Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute (ASTRI) has provided technical assistance for the CST deployment, with support from key government figures like the Prime Minister and the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. The project's director, Dominic Zaal, emphasized the significance of this initiative in driving industrial decarbonisation and cost reduction through a mix of renewable technologies. The CST system, featuring an 18MW renewable heat system and electric thermal energy storage (eTES), is designed to displace a significant portion of the factory's gas consumption, showcasing the viability of renewable solutions. Additionally, the project includes the integration of green hydrogen to further reduce emissions, with an ambitious target of achieving net-zero status by 2026. The deployment of CST technology, supported by ARENA funding, represents a major milestone for sustainable manufacturing in Australia. This innovative approach not only reduces operational costs but also creates job opportunities and enhances energy security by diversifying the energy mix. Through a strategic combination of CST, eTES, and green hydrogen, Mars Petcare Wodonga is setting a new standard for industrial sustainability and decarbonisation.
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