Mars, Inc. says it will source the full electricity needs for its Mexico operations from a new wind farm in Dzilam Bravo, Yucatan, moving the company’s energy consumption to 100% renewables in Mexico.

Mars has signed a new 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Vive Energía and Envision Energy to supply the electricity required for its six Mexico-based confectionery and pet food facilities (two in Nuevo León, one at Estado de México, two at Querétaro, and one at Jalisco).

“Mars is thrilled to be flipping the switch to wind energy,” says head of the project, Eduardo González, Manufacturing Director for Mars Latin America, which produces such iconic candy products and pet brands.

The announcement represents a great step forward for Mars in continuing to advance the goals of its Sustainable in a Generation Plan – the global strategy for advancing the sustainability of the business and a better world for future generations. Mars has targeted a 40% reduction of its direct global GHG emissions by 2020, with the goal of reaching 100% by 2040. The company has already met and exceeded this goal ahead of time, relying on 53% renewables today.

“We are investing $1 billion over the next few years to extend our focus deep in our supply chains, within our direct operations and, where impactful, with customers and consumers, too,” said González. “Here in Mexico, we are taking a stand on climate change. Among our goals: reducing GHG emissions across our global value chain by 27% by 2025 and 67% by 2050 in order to do our part to keep the planet from warming beyond two degrees.”

Mars Mexico joins nine other regional Mars operations that have already migrated to clean energy, consistent with Mars’ commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to proactively combat climate change.

“Congratulations to Mars, which, as the first North American company to join RE100 nearly five years ago, continues to lead the way on renewable energy by investing in wind projects around the world,” said Amy Davidsen, Executive Director of the not-for-profit The Climate Group, NA. “We are excited to learn of this new project in Yucatan, Mexico, a state government committed to reducing its emissions as part of the Under2 Coalition. Companies and local governments can work together to build renewable energy capacity, accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, and tackle climate change.”

Mars partnered with Commodity Risk Solution (CRS), a global renewable energy market advisor, to structure the PPA.

“With this agreement, Mars will deliver an innovative agreement that will provide a lasting economic advantage in the recently reformed Mexico wholesale electricity market,” said CRS co-founder Luke Marriott. “CRS approaches the whole business, from energy buyer to CFO, and delivers outcomes that pave the way for a sustainable future.