Scotland: Brand new Scottish wind farm to power Nestlé UK and Ireland’s operations

All of Nestlé’s grid-supplied electricity in the UK and Ireland already comes from renewable sources and the newly commissioned windfarm will generate new power to initially cover half of the company’s electricity needs.

This new deal, an initial 15 year partnership with Community Wind Power, will see a brand new nine turbine wind farm open in Dumfries and Galloway in the first half of 2017. It will produce approximately 125GWh of power per annum, enough to supply the annual demands of 30,000 homes.

Dame Fiona Kendrick, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “We announced back in April that all of our grid-supplied electricity is coming from renewable sources but today’s announcement takes things a huge step further. This is a newly commissioned wind farm, generating new energy, creating capacity that didn’t previously exist and capable of providing half of our electricity needs. It’s a proud moment for us and means we have reached another key milestone in our efforts to become a sustainable business.”

Rod Wood, Managing Director, Community Windpower, said: “Community Windpower are delighted to be working with Nestlé by providing 50% of their energy requirements from our Sanquhar community wind farm project. As a leading party within the RE100, Nestlé’s commitment to sustainable resourcing is exemplary and our partnership is testament to that.”

Emily Farnworth, RE100 Campaign Director, said: “Nestlé recognises that climate change impacts pose a risk to the business, and sees renewable energy as part of the solution. Today’s announcement takes the company a step closer to its goal of sourcing 100% renewable electricity across its global operations, and reinforces the strong market signal – sent through RE100 – that business demand for renewables is rising.”

Nestlé aims to achieve 100% renewable electrical energy globally in the shortest practical timescale through RE100, a global initiative to engage, support and showcase influential companies committed to using 100% renewable power. Nestlé also had an aspiration to reduce its UK carbon footprint by 40% by 2020.  This target will be reached or exceeded well ahead of schedule.