Hormel Foods Corporation has completed an 8-acre solar field at a Jennie-O plant in Montevideo, Minnesota to generate 3.2 million kWh per year between the community solar and onsite solar projects.
While the project’s onsite solar portion will supply approximately 10% of the plant's annual electricity, the community solar portion will allow Jennie-O team members, community members, and businesses to support green power and receive discounts on their energy bills.
The project will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 2,265 metric tons per year, equivalent to removing over 500 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from roads for one year.
Hormel Foods, an anchor tenant in community solar projects in Illinois and rural central Minnesota, aims to achieve 100% green power worldwide by 2030.
"We are inspired to do our part to make the world a better place with the completion of this project," said Tom Raymond, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Hormel Foods. "We know the importance of advancing renewable energy initiatives, and this project demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship, including how we source the energy we need."
The company has increased its procurement of domestic renewable electricity from less than 10% to 100% through virtual power purchase agreements, generating over 936 million kWh hours annually. Hormel Foods has received awards from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Center for Resource Solutions for these efforts.
