Mars to buy electricity from 200MW Mesquite Creek wind farm

US-based food products manufacturer Mars has signed an agreement to buy electricity from the 200MW Mesquite Creek wind farm located near Lamesa in Texas, US.

Being jointly developed by Sumitomo and BNB Renewable Energy, the wind farm will feature 118×1.7MW GE turbines capable of generating enough renewable electricity to power all of Mars’ US operations.

Mars chief sustainability officer Barry Parkin said the company is committed to doing its part to limit climate change.

"We are therefore delighted to be announcing this major renewable project that takes us a big step towards our goal of becoming carbon neutral in our operations. This is an innovative approach that makes great business and environmental sense," Parkin added.

The agreement is a part of Mars’ effort in achieving its operations Sustainable in a Generation by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Mars also aims to reduce its fossil-fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2015, with 2007 as the baseline year, and becoming completely carbon-neutral by 2040.

Sumitomo Corporation of Americas vice president William Cannon said Sumitomo and Mars have partnered to help reduce their carbon footprint as well as to allow their electricity to be carbon-neutral in the US.

"Mesquite Creek is a landmark project for Sumitomo and our sixth renewable energy investment in the U.S., further strengthening our commitment as a major developer and owner of renewable energy," Cannon added.

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Image: Mars moves towards carbon neutral operations. Photo: © 2012 Mars, Incorporated.