Cargill Partners With CleanMax for RE Projects in India

Cargill has partnered with CleanMax in India to meet 70 to 80 percent of its facility’s electricity needs from a solar and wind hybrid project in Karnataka.

US-based global food corporation Cargill has announced that it is expanding its portfolio of renewable energy projects worldwide with 10 new projects set to come up online next year. And in India, the firm has partnered with CleanMax to meet 70 to 80 percent of its facility’s electricity needs from a solar and wind hybrid project in the state of Karnataka.

The firm has stated that these renewable energy projects represent a vital component of its expanding renewable energy portfolio and progress against its climate commitment to reduce 10 percent of its overall greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2025, against a 2017 baseline. This is in addition to its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its global supply chains by 30 per ton of product by 2030, also measured against a 2017 baseline.

“To help us meet our climate commitments, we’re focused on operating more efficiently, pursuing emissions-reducing technology and investing in renewable energy to power our operations or offset our emissions,” said Jill Kolling, Vice President of Sustainability at Cargill. “We continue to invest in renewable energy projects to change the way we power our operations, harnessing the innovative, economic and environmental benefits of renewable power.”

Upon completion, the ten new renewable projects together are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 350,000 metric tons a year, which is comparable to providing electricity for more than 40,065 homes per year. Together, these investments represent a tangible commitment by Cargill to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and address its footprint globally.

The firms’ facility in Davangere, India, has launched a joint venture with a local renewable energy provider, CleanMax, to supply 70 to 80 percent of the facility’s electricity needs through wind and solar hybrid power park in the state of Karnataka. The partnership will help eliminate 29,865 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.

In addition to the benefits these renewable energy projects provide Cargill’s operations and the environment, they will also provide economic benefits to their respective regions and states in the form of jobs, landowner and tax payments, and money spent in local communities to help enhance schools, roads and other essential services.

“The agriculture industry plays a critical role in nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. At Cargill, we believe it’s how we will come together to address global issues facing our industry including climate change,” said Kolling. “These renewable energy projects demonstrate that agriculture is how we’ll cultivate a better future for all.”