Mars Australia has signed 20-year power-purchase agreements (PPA) with Total Eren to generate the equivalent of 100 per cent of Mars’ electricity from renewable energy by 2020.
Mars, the maker of M&M’s, MasterFoods, Extra sugarfree gum and Pedigree dog food, has contracted for energy to match the electricity requirements of its six Australian factories and two sales offices.
Total Eren is developing and will build the Kiamal Solar Farm in Victoria, which will be operational in mid-2019.
The Mars PPAs will also facilitate the planned build of a second renewable project by Total Eren in NSW.
“Mars is thrilled to be flicking the switch to solar energy,” Mars Australia general manager Barry O’Sullivan said.
“It’s about making a long-term commitment to a sustainable, greener planet that will benefit our customers, our consumers and the local and global community.
“The rise in electricity prices last year accelerated our plans to join Mars sites in the US, UK and nine other countries in moving to renewable electricity.”
“We acted quickly because the price volatility of energy in Australia made renewables the best option for our business, in addition to getting us closer to our commitment to eliminate greenhouse gasses from our operations by 2040.”
The PPAs are part of a broader Mars journey to become Sustainable in a Generation, with plans to reduce greenhouse gasses across the supply chain by 67 per cent by 2050.
Total Eren CEO David Corchia said the company has an ambitious vision for the expansion and development of renewable energy in Australia.
“Partnering with manufacturing thought leaders like Mars Australia is essential and sends a strong message to the rest of the market that now is the time to capitalise on the opportunities offered by renewable power purchase agreements and to drive positive change in the environment,” Mr Corchia said.
