Cargill has switched on a 2.58 megawatt solar array at its Newcastle Crush Plant in New South Wales. The installation marks a key milestone in the company’s sustainability strategy and efforts to reduce emissions while strengthening energy resilience at its operations.
The solar system, installed onsite at the oilseed processing facility, comprises more than 4000 panels and is expected to generate over 4200 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity each year — enough to match peak electricity demand at the plant. Cargill estimates the project will reduce Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by around 2700 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, roughly comparable to the electricity use of about 700 households in NSW.
Cargill says this asset is the only fully built and owned renewable energy installation currently operated by a bulk handler and oilseed processor in Australia, underscoring its commitment to practical emissions-cutting measures within its manufacturing footprint. The company already has broader emissions-reduction targets, including a plan to cut absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25 per cent by 2035.
Nick Ebrill, Senior Director of Regional Operations for Cargill in Australia, said integrating renewable energy directly into operations enhances reliability and cost stability amid volatile energy markets. The project also supports greater supply chain certainty for customers and contributes to wider efforts to decarbonise Australia’s food and agriculture sectors.