Mars secures Lithuanian wind power deal to cut emissions across pet food value chain

LITHUANIA – Mars Incorporated, a multinational manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and animal care services, has signed a long-term renewable energy agreement in Lithuania, securing most of the output from a new wind farm to power its operations and reduce emissions across its pet food and broader value chain.

The agreement, signed with European Energy, will see Mars purchase the majority of electricity generated by the planned Skuodas Wind Farm under a virtual power purchase agreement (PPA). 

The facility is expected to produce around 490 GWh of renewable electricity annually, thereby avoiding approximately 120,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

With an installed capacity of 158.4 MW, the project is scheduled to become operational in 2028 and is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 250,000 homes annually.

“At Mars, we’re focused on turning climate commitments into measurable progress and action with real-world infrastructure,” said Kevin Rabinovitch, Global Vice President for Sustainability. 

“This agreement helps bring new wind power online and strengthens our ability to extend credible renewable electricity across our value chain.”

The deal includes guarantees of origin, ensuring that the electricity supplied is verifiably renewable and sourced from newly built capacity. 

This is central to Mars’ strategy of scaling clean energy use not only in its direct operations but also across suppliers and production networks.

Supporting pet food production and supply chains

The project will directly support Mars’ pet food manufacturing facility in Lithuania, providing a stable, long-term renewable energy supply. 

The site plays a key role in the company’s European production and export network, including pet nutrition products.

For the feed and pet food industry, energy is a high-cost and emissions driver, particularly in processing, extrusion, and drying operations. 

By locking in renewable electricity, Mars aims to reduce exposure to energy price volatility and lower the carbon footprint of production.

The initiative is part of the company’s Renewables Acceleration Program, which aims to expand renewable electricity coverage across its full value chain. 

Mars estimates the programme could contribute to a 10% reduction in its total carbon footprint by 2030, compared to a 2015 baseline.

“This agreement shows how companies like Mars are actively enabling new renewable generation,” said Jens-Peter Zink, Deputy CEO of European Energy. 

“It demonstrates how corporate PPAs translate commitments into real infrastructure while strengthening national energy independence.”

The Lithuania project builds on earlier clean energy investments by Mars, including solar developments in Poland and wind energy agreements in Sweden and the United States.

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