Hormel Foods, a global branded food company, has achieved another milestone in its commitment to green power with the completion of an 8-acre solar field at its Jennie-O plant in Montevideo, Minnesota. The ribbon-cutting event took place on September 26th, celebrating the successful installation of the solar array.
The project is expected to generate around 3.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year through both onsite and community solar projects. The onsite solar portion will provide approximately 10% of the plant’s annual electricity needs, while the community solar portion will give Jennie-O team members, community members, and local businesses the opportunity to support renewable energy and receive discounts on their energy bills.
Tom Raymond, the director of environmental sustainability at Hormel Foods, expressed the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship, stating, We are inspired to do our part to make the world a better place with the completion of this project. We know the importance of advancing renewable energy initiatives, and this project demonstrates our commitment to sourcing the energy we need in an environmentally responsible way.
The establishment of the solar array will have a positive impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 2,265 metric tons annually. This reduction is equivalent to taking 504 average gasoline-powered passenger vehicles off the road for one year, contributing to a cleaner and healthier planet.
Hormel Foods has been actively supporting various renewable energy initiatives, including solar projects in Kansas and California. The company has also entered into Virtual Power Purchase Agreements for the Western Trails and Haystack wind projects located in Texas and Nebraska, respectively.
In line with its sustainability goals, Hormel Foods aims to achieve 100% green power worldwide by 2030. Over the past year, the company has significantly increased its procurement of domestic renewable electricity, reaching 100% through Virtual Power Purchase Agreements that generate over 936 million kWh annually. These efforts have been recognized by prestigious organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Center for Resource Solutions.
For more information on Hormel Foods’ commitment to environmental stewardship and its 20 By 30 Challenge, interested parties can access the company’s 2022 global impact report.
Hormel Foods continues to lead the way in promoting renewable energy and driving positive change towards a sustainable future. The completion of the solar field at the Jennie-O plant underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to reducing its environmental footprint and serving as a role model for other companies in the food industry. With its focus on green power and sustainable practices, Hormel Foods sets an important example for the global community, demonstrating that businesses can make a significant impact in safeguarding the planet for future generations.
