CANADA – Saputo, a Canadian dairy company has recently sealed a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with leading North American power producer Capital Power.

According to the companies, the agreement will focus on harnessing renewable energy from the Canadian-based wind facility, Halkirk 2 Wind, which is currently under construction.

Pending final regulatory approvals and operational commencement, Saputo’s contracted portion of the wind facility is anticipated to generate approximately 206,300 MWh of renewable electricity annually.

This substantial output is aimed at slashing the company’s CO2 emissions by over 140,000 tonnes, equivalent to removing more than 30,000 cars from the roads.

Ultimately, this VPPA is projected to curtail Saputo’s global CO2 footprint by an impressive 13% compared to its fiscal 2020 baseline.

Since publicly declaring its Environmental Pledges in 2020, Saputo has been steadfastly addressing climate change concerns.

With a dedicated capital investment of US$70 million, the company has funded over 65 projects aimed at reducing the carbon, energy, and water intensities of its operations.

Furthermore, Saputo has extended its sustainability efforts beyond borders, having sealed another long-term power purchase agreement in Australia in 2021.

Looking ahead, Saputo is gearing up to formulate post-2025 climate commitments and targets, aligning closely with the guidance of the Science-based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The company remains committed to collaborating with farmers, milk suppliers, and industry experts to combat climate change and promote sustainable dairy production practices.

“As a global leader in the food industry, it is vital we demonstrate our commitment to the long-term sustainability of the dairy industry,” Carl Colizza, President and Chief Operating Officer (North America) at Saputo stated.

“This VPPA is an important step in sourcing clean, renewable electricity to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations, so that we may play our part as a sustainable dairy processor and safeguard the environment for future generations.”

Jason Comandante, Senior Vice President and head of Canada for Capital Power, echoed the sentiment, expressing pleasure in collaborating with industry leaders like Saputo and Schneider Electric.

He emphasized the importance of delivering reliable, affordable, and decarbonized energy to North American customers.

John Powers, Vice President of Renewable Energy & Cleantech for Schneider Electric, hailed the collaboration as a global best practice for the energy transition, showcasing the power of innovative partnerships and technology to fortify Saputo’s position as a leading sustainable dairy processor.

Saputo, a top-tier dairy processor globally, is renowned for its wide array of high-quality dairy products while Capital Power, with its focus on net zero emissions by 2045, stands as a key player in delivering reliable and decarbonized power solutions across North America.

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