Mars, Incorporated has announced that its Wodonga pet food manufacturing plant will be the first large-scale steam-based site in Australia to operate on 100% renewable energy by 2026. The facility, which produces brands such as Pedigree and Whiskas, will transition to renewable energy as part of Mars’ goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Craig Sargeant, General Manager of Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the significance of this initiative during a tour of the Wodonga site with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “This project is a key part of our commitment to sustainability and sets a new standard for green manufacturing in Australia,” said Sargeant.
The company’s $39.3 million investment includes the construction of an 18-megawatt Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) system, which will provide thermal energy storage for the plant. This marks the first commercial use of CST technology in Australia. The project is supported by a $17.2 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The Wodonga facility will also integrate Electric Thermal Energy Storage (eTES) technology, which allows the site to store heat generated from renewable electricity during off-peak hours. This will reduce the need for gas and provide a sustainable source of steam for manufacturing.
Mars is working with the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) to purchase Renewable Gas Guarantee of Origin certificates from Hydrogen Park Murray Valley, which will further reduce gas consumption at the Wodonga site.
The project contributes to Mars’ global emissions reduction efforts, which have already cut greenhouse gas emissions by 16% since 2015. The Wodonga site is expected to operate entirely on renewable energy by 2026, in line with Mars’ commitment to achieve 100% renewable energy for all operations by 2040.
Mars has a proclaimed goal of creating a renewable energy hub collaborating with local businesses and governments to in northeast Victoria.
