Mars Petcare's Wodonga Leading the Way to 100% Renewable Energy in Australia
Key Ideas
- Mars Petcare's Wodonga site in Australia plans to implement a fully renewable energy system for electricity and steam production by 2026, making it a pioneer in green manufacturing.
- The project involves an $39.9 million investment to install an 18-megawatt parabolic trough concentrated solar thermal (CST) plant, storing thermal energy for up to 10 hours to cook pet food.
- Through partnerships and technologies like Electric Thermal Energy Storage (eTES) and hydrogen purchase from AGIG, Mars aims to achieve 100% renewable energy at the Wodonga facility, aligning with its global commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
- The initiative not only reflects Mars' sustainability commitment but also supports regional investment and Australia's clean energy future, fostering collaboration with local businesses and government to create a renewable energy hub in northeast Victoria.
Mars Petcare's Wodonga site in Australia is set to become a trailblazer in green manufacturing by implementing a fully renewable energy system for both electricity and steam production by 2026. This initiative, inspired by Mars' commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, involves a significant investment of $39.9 million. The project includes the installation of an 18-megawatt parabolic trough concentrated solar thermal (CST) plant, which can store thermal energy for up to 10 hours to support the pet food manufacturing process.
Supported by a $17.2 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, this project will mark the country's first commercial deployment of parabolic trough CST technology. Mars aims to use Electric Thermal Energy Storage (eTES) technology to generate and store heat using low-cost, grid-connected renewable electricity, offering a renewable alternative to gas for steam production.
Furthermore, Mars has partnered with AGIG to purchase hydrogen at Hydrogen Park Murray Valley, displacing over 10% of Mars Australia's total gas consumption. This strategic move complements Mars' goal of achieving 100% renewable energy at the Wodonga facility by 2026, contributing to the company's broader target of 100% renewable energy for site-based operations by 2040.
The announcement has been met with positivity, with Craig Sargeant, the general manager of Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand, expressing pride in the company's sustainable efforts and commitment to decarbonizing industrial processes. The project not only showcases Mars' dedication to sustainability but also emphasizes its support for regional investment and Australia's commitment to a clean energy future through collaborations with local stakeholders.
Topics
Fuel Cells
Renewable Energy
Technology
Sustainability
Investment
Manufacturing
Partnership
Community Support
Environmental Commitment
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