In a significant move towards achieving its net zero emissions by 2050 commitment, Mars, Incorporated has announced that its Wodonga pet food manufacturing facility, which produces PEDIGREE® and WHISKAS®, 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.
Craig Sargeant, General Manager of Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand, was joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a tour of the Wodonga site while sharing his enthusiasm for the ground-breaking initiative, which aligns with the company’s broader global net zero by 2050 ambitions.
“We are incredibly proud to announce that Mars will be the first manufacturing facility of its kind in Australia to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution within two years,” said Sargeant. “Decarbonizing site-based process heat, coupled with Mars Australia’s 100% renewable electricity use, is a significant achievement that not only reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability but also positions our Wodonga facility as a leader in green process heat manufacturing on a national scale.”
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.
“Investing in renewable energy technologies like CST is critical to decarbonizing industrial processes, particularly in sectors that heavily rely on gas for steam-based manufacturing,” Sargeant continued. “CST offers a powerful solution by capturing and storing solar energy in the form of high temperature heat, for use at any time, making it an ideal fit for our steam-based manufacturing needs.”
The project also builds on Mars’ implementation of Electric Thermal Energy Storage (eTES) technology, which allows the facility to utilize 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.
For Mars, the CST and eTES systems are complementary renewable heat technologies. With the addition of the AGIG hydrogen purchase, and Mars Australia’s existing 100% renewable electricity agreement, the Wodonga facility will deploy a 100% renewable energy solution within two years, as part of our global commitment to 100% renewable energy for site-based operations by 2040.
“Earlier this year, Mars globally announced that since 2015, GHG emissions in the company’s value chain have been reduced by 16% or 5.7 million metric tons. This project further contributes to Mars Net Zero Roadmap target to reduce emissions globally by 50% by the end of 2030, which we're on track to achieve," said Sargeant.
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 northeast Victoria for generations to come.
“Mars is incredibly proud of the fact we have been manufacturing in the Wodonga area for more than 50 years,” 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.”
