Hormel Foods recently announced it had completed its newest solar energy project at its Jennie-O Turkey Store plant in Montevideo, Minn. The 1.75-megawatt project, which hosts a community solar array, will provide approximately 10% of the plant’s energy needs.
The project is assisting Hormel in reaching its goal of matching 100% of its domestic energy use with renewable sourcing by the end of this year. In 2021, the company launched several large-scale renewable energy projects, including its Western Trails wind project in northern Texas, the Caddo wind site in southern Oklahoma, and a haystack wind project located in eastern Nebraska.
Hormel’s renewable energy goal is part of the company’s 20 By 30 Challenge, a set of 20 environmental and social responsibility goals, through which it is aiming to match 100% of its global energy use with renewable sourcing.
Hormel Foods to Match 100% of Its Global Energy Use With Renewable Sourcing |
The challenge goals follow the previous set of sustainability goals Hormel Foods has focused on as it has achieved significant reductions in its packaging, nonrenewable energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and solid waste sent to landfills. The challenge also aims help support the UN Sustainable Development Goals and advance the company’s strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership.
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency applauds Hormel Foods for its leadership position in the green power marketplace,” says James Critchfield, program manager of EPA’s Green Power Partnership. “Hormel Foods is an excellent example for other organizations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through green power investment and use.”
Newsweek has named Hormel Foods one of America’s Most Responsible Companies.