Large-scale solar for Cargill's oilseed processing plant in NSW

Cargill has launched a 2.58 MW solar array at its Newcastle Crush Plant — the company’s first large-scale renewable energy project in Australia and an important milestone in its efforts to reduce emissions, strengthen energy resilience and support a more sustainable food supply chain.

The solar array has been installed onsite at the Newcastle facility and is claimed to be the only fully built and owned renewable energy asset currently operated by a bulk handler and oilseed processor in Australia.

Forecast to generate more than 4200 MWh of renewable electricity each year, the project is set to reduce Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2700 tonnes of CO₂ annually. It will also contribute to Cargill’s ambition of reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2035. As Cargill owns the solar array, the company keeps all renewable energy certificates generated onsite.

“This initiative is about taking real, practical steps toward sustainability and innovation,” said Nick Ebrill, Senior Director, Regional Operations SSEA-Australia, Cargill. “By integrating renewable energy directly into our manufacturing infrastructure, we reduce emissions, enhance resilience and create lasting value. It is a strong example of what can be achieved when persistence and local insight come together to drive bold, transformative outcomes.”

The solar array also forms part of Cargill’s broader $100m investment into its Australian oilseed processing network to support growing demand for food, feed and renewable fuels. Alongside the expansion of its Newcastle, Narrabri and Footscray facilities, Cargill Australia has been implementing a series of initiatives to reduce the environmental footprint of its operations, including sustainability programs like Sustain Connect, announced previously in 2024.

A video on the project and its impact on Cargill’s Newcastle operations

Images: Supplied