Mars, Incorporated has announced a groundbreaking project to make its Wodonga pet food manufacturing facility the first large-scale steam-based manufacturing site in Australia to operate with a 100% renewable energy solution by 2026. This initiative, which includes the installation of an 18-megawatt Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) plant, aligns with Mars' commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Supported by a $17.2 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the $39.3 million solar thermal plant will offer up to 10 hours of thermal storage to power cooking processes for brands like PEDIGREE® and WHISKAS®. This will be the first commercial CST deployment of its kind in Australia, utilizing stored solar energy to produce high-temperature steam.

In addition, Mars Wodonga is implementing Electric Thermal Energy Storage (eTES) technology, allowing off-peak renewable electricity to produce heat for steam generation. Furthering this commitment, Mars is collaborating with the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) to displace over 10% of its natural gas usage by purchasing Renewable Gas Guarantee of Origin certificates from Hydrogen Park Murray Valley.

"This project positions Mars Wodonga as a leader in green manufacturing," said Craig Sargeant, General Manager of Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand, during a tour with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The initiative is a part of Mars' broader efforts to create a renewable energy hub in northeast Victoria, reinforcing its legacy in the region.

Source: mars.com