Mars Petcare, a subsidiary of the US consumer products giant Mars Inc., has announced plans to install Australia's first commercial concentrated solar thermal (CST) heat plant at its factory in Victoria, aimed at achieving 100% renewable energy utilization.
The proposed CST plant will have a capacity of 18 MW and feature up to 10 hours of thermal storage, utilizing parabolic trough technology.
This initiative will be implemented at the Mars Wodonga pet food manufacturing facility, which produces well-known brands such as Pedigree and Whiskas. The new plant will provide both electricity and process steam, enabling the facility to reduce its gas consumption by 50%.
The total investment for the project is estimated at AUD 39.3 million, with AUD 17.2 million funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Construction of the CST heat plant is set to commence this month, with full operations expected to begin by 2026.
Craig Sargeant, General Manager of Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the project's significance, stating that it not only demonstrates Mars Australia's commitment to sustainability but also positions the Wodonga facility as a leader in green process heat manufacturing on a national scale.
This initiative aligns with Mars' broader goals of achieving 100% renewable energy for site-based operations by 2040 and reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
