Mars and suppliers to buy power from 121-MW wind project in Illinois

Mars Inc has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Apex Clean Energy to buy power from the 121.26- MW Ford Ridge wind project in Illinois, it was announced today.

The 30-year joint PPA also involves two Mars suppliers -- animal proteins company BHJ and metal food containers maker Silgan Containers. The buying consortium was put together by Commodity Risk Solution.

Apex said Mars, BHJ and Silgan Containers show that supply chain partners can work together to enable new renewable energy.

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The deal will allow for the construction of the Ford Ridge project in Ford County, scheduled for completion by the end of 2021. The project is owned by Apex and funds managed by Ares Management Corporation's Infrastructure and Power strategy.

Mars said the PPA will cover more than 100% of the electricity needs of its 2,000 veterinary hospitals in the US, allowing the company to continue powering its US operations with 100% renewable electricity after an expansion of Mars Veterinary Health.

According to its announcement, Ford Ridge, along with an existing wind farm in Texas, will generate enough power for Mars' confectionery, food, and pet care businesses in the US.