MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — All of PepsiCo Canada’s owned operations will leverage Canadian renewable energy as part of its commitment to purchase enough renewable energy to match 100 per cent of its operations starting in 2023. PepsiCo has set an ambition reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
The Canadian operations transition will secure the benefits of more than 160,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity from renewable sources annually, equal to powering more than 14,000 Canadian homes per year. Additionally, the shift to sourcing renewable electricity will help offset the climate impacts of the company’s electricity usage.
PepsiCo will reach its target of matching its electricity consumption with 100 per cent renewable energy this year through a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with a subsidiary of TransAlta for a new wind farm in Alberta and the purchase of Canadian Green-e certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) from other Canadian wind sources. The 12-year partnership with TransAlta includes the Hanna, Alta. area Garden Plain Wind Project – a 14,000-acre plot of land that is expected to produce 130 megawatts (MW) of wind power per year. As the company transitions to more renewable energy sources, its diversified energy portfolio will aim to invest back into the Canadian market.
“We’re incredibly proud to share that we’re on track to achieve our goal of sourcing 100-per-cent renewable electricity,” says Chris Johnson, National Engineering and Sustainability senior manager, PepsiCo Canada. “This is just another step forward in our journey to build a more sustainable food system and ultimately, building a more circular economy in Canada with renewable electricity generated right in our own backyard.”
“TransAlta congratulates PepsiCo Canada for making a significant commitment to renewable energy through our Garden Plain Wind Project,” says Ross Piché, vice-president, Projects & Construction, TransAlta. “We’re excited to partner with them to deliver a customized, sustainable, and reliable energy solution the company can rely on. The delivery of clean, renewable energy supports PepsiCo Canada’s sustainability goals while providing renewable electric energy to the region.”
