Ecolab Signs Agreements to Source 100% of Company's Renewable Energy Requirements in Europe
Ecolab, the global leader in water management, announced the signing of a virtual power purchase agreement to build a five-turbine wind farm on the west coast of Finland. The wind farm will help increase the company's global renewable energy sourcing to around 80 per cent.
The Mörknässkogen wind farm, constructed by Low Carbon, will generate around 100GWh of renewable energy each year, enough to power more than 29,000 houses.
It would cut potential greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 20,900 tonnes and cover 100 per cent of the electricity used by Ecolab to power all European locations, including 15 major offices, 26 industrial plants, and seven research and development centres. The wind farm would start operating by the end of 2023. The project demonstrates Ecolab's commitment to ambitious sustainability goals.
Ecolab Chief Sustainability Officer Emilio Tenuta said: "At a time of increased scrutiny for energy use and net-zero commitments, we are proud to be investing in renewable options that are good for both Ecolab’s business and our planet. Many of Ecolab’s more than 47,000 associates globally are supporting our customers on their net-zero transition, and this agreement provides a tangible example of how to move from commitment to action.”
Today's announcement builds on a 2018 Ecolab investment that added enough renewable energy sources to cover the company's operations in North America entirely. The two agreements, when combined, would allow Ecolab to get approximately 80 per cent of its power from renewable sources, up from 58 per cent previously, and will represent a significant step toward the company's objective of generating 100 per cent renewable electricity globally by 2030. Ecolab is already far ahead of schedule in meeting the renewable energy requirements defined by RE100, a global corporate programme focused on obtaining 100 per cent renewable power by 2050, of which Ecolab is a member.
John Graves, CIO of the Low Carbon Renewables Fund, said: "We are pleased to partner with a global sustainability leader in Ecolab to bring additional renewable energy infrastructure to Finland's already sought-after renewable power mix. The Mörknässkogen wind project shows how forward-thinking companies can deliver real impact when we work together to advance a sustainable future.”
