Mars Wodonga to be Australia’s first large-scale steam-based manufacturing site to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution by 2026 with new solar thermal plant.
In a significant move towards achieving its net zero emissions by 2050 commitment, Mars, Incorporated has announced that its Wodonga pet food manufacturing facility, will become the first large-scale steam-based manufacturing site in Australia to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution for both electricity and process steam within the next two years.
The $39.3 million Mars Wodonga Solar Thermal Plant will spearhead this transition, including the installation of an 18-megawatt Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) plant that will provide up to 10 hours of thermal energy storage for cooking pet food. 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.
Representatives from Albury and Wodonga Councils joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen for the announcement, and we are thrilled to see continued investment in our local economy.
Article Credit: Mars Petcare Australia