Hershey enters into two clean energy partnerships

The Hershey Co. recently entered into two new clean energy partnerships that will develop solar projects to transition operations to clean and renewable energy.

Hershey entered into a 15-year power purchase agreement to finance and construct the company’s first utility-scale solar farm. BayWa r.e, a European-based renewable energy developer, developed the 20-megawatt farm on 218 acres in North Carolina.

Construction is expected to be completed in late July and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32,025 metric tons daily.

Hershey also signed a solar power purchase agreement with National Grid Renewables, a developer of renewable energy assets, for 50 megawatts of the Noble Project under construction in Texas.

The project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 450,000 metric tons annually during the first 20 years of operation.

Collectively, the partnerships are forecasted to reduce Hershey’s carbon footprint by 115,650 metric tons annually.

“Not only will these solar projects help Hershey to reduce its impact on the environment, they will also create jobs and help contribute to the growth of local economies and our commitment to reduce our (greenhouse gas) footprint,” Jeff King, Hershey senior director of global sustainability and social impact, said.