Mars Incorporated has announced that its Wodonga pet food factory is set to become the first large-scale steam-based manufacturing site in the world to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution, for both electricity and process steam.
The $39.3 million Mars Wodonga Solar Thermal Plant includes an 18MW Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) plant that will provide up to 10 hours of thermal energy storage for cooking petfood.
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The project, which includes a $17.2 million grant from the Australian Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), marks the first commercial deployment of parabolic trough CST technology in Australia.
The project also builds on Mars’ implementation of Electric Thermal Energy Storage (eTES) technology, which allows the facility to utilise low-cost, grid-connected renewable electricity during off-peak times to generate and store heat that can produce steam at any time of day or night. This eTEs system, supported by CSIRO, provides a cost-effective, renewable alternative to gas.
In addition, Mars recently announced another joint initiative whereby the company is working together with Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) to purchase Renewable Gas Guarantee of Origin certificates at Hydrogen Park Murray Valley. This arrangement will displace over 10% of Mars Australia’s total gas consumption, which includes Mars Petcare Wodonga.
Mars is also working with other local companies and government entities, as part of a broader effort to help create a renewable energy hub in north-east Victoria for generations to come.
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“Mars is incredibly proud of the fact we have been manufacturing in the Wodonga area for more than 50 years,” Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand general manager Craig Sargeant said.
“We are part of the fabric of the local community, supporting jobs and investment in regional Victoria. Wodonga is at the heart of that journey, and today’s announcement is a major step forward in supporting both regional investment and Australia’s clean energy future.”