Solar Thermal Energy Powers Mars Petcare's Move to Full Renewable Energy

In a landmark move, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has allocated $17.2 million to Mars Petcare for Australia’s first commercial concentrated solar thermal plant at its Wodonga facility. This project demonstrates a renewable energy solution that uses solar thermal power as a heat source to reduce industrial emissions.

The Wodonga site will operate on 100% renewable power by utilizing a mix of solar thermal, solar PV, and hydrogen technologies. This shift makes it the first fully renewable-powered manufacturing facility in Australia. ARENA CEO Darren Miller emphasized the importance of exploring renewable heating options for industry, which currently accounts for nearly 44% of Australia’s total emissions.

The unique advantages of concentrated solar thermal include smaller land requirements and no need for power grid upgrades. This $39.3 million project uses 18MW of solar thermal energy to power industrial heating processes, demonstrating an energy blueprint for facilities constrained by land availability or grid limitations.

Mars Petcare’s innovative setup employs parabolic trough technology to store thermal energy, creating a 150MWh storage capacity that ensures around-the-clock heating. This system utilizes water for heat transfer and storage, eliminating the need for complex heat exchangers or thermal oil systems commonly seen in CSP plants.

With funding available through ARENA’s $400 million Powering the Regions program, Mars Petcare Wodonga represents a crucial step in decarbonizing Australia’s industrial sector. For businesses interested in ARENA’s industrial transformation projects, visit their funding page for more information on available programs.

For companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint, EServices4U offers expert consultation on renewable energy solutions, from solar installations to energy-efficient transformations. Visit www.eservices4u.com.au and explore how we can support your path to sustainable energy.