Conagra Brands, Inc. and Bloom Energy have announced that they will collaborate to utilise Bloom’s fuel cell technology at Conagra’s Troy and Archbold, Ohio, US production facilities.
The 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) will deploy approximately 6 MW and provide combustion-free electricity generation, supplying approximately 70 - 75% of the electricity needs at the Troy and Archbold, US, facilities, while also projecting a 19% decrease in their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This initiative aligns with Conagra’s 2030 science-based GHG reduction targets, which have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, a corporate climate effort driving the transition to a zero carbon economy.
Bloom’s fuel cells generate sustainable, and predictable electricity without combustion, with ‘always-on’ power reliability. Bloom’s combustion-free fuel cells avoid the release of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other particulate matter typically associated with combustion-based power generation methods.
“We are delighted to partner with Conagra Brands,” said Adam Colling, Commercial and Industrial Sector Leader at Bloom Energy. “Our collaboration underscores Bloom’s commitment to providing clean and reliable energy solutions and driving economic value in grid-constrained regions like Ohio and the greater Midwest, US.”
“We are committed to channelling our operational efficiency efforts into strategic areas where we can make a significant impact across our production process. We expect Bloom’s fuel cells to provide cleaner and reliable power at our Troy and Archbold, US, facilities,” added Christine Daugherty, Vice President of Sustainability at Conagra Brands. “Implementing this technology is a significant step towards achieving our science-based targets, supporting our pursuit of renewable energy solutions, and reducing our environmental footprint.”
Complementing this project, Conagra established a US$9 million Sustainability Capital Allowance programme, which supports the company’s production facilities in achieving their sustainability goals by investing in technologies that modernise its supply chain, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable practices across its operations.