The Hershey Company signs second solar PPA with National Grid

Confectionery giant The Hershey Company has signed a 140MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with National Grid Renewables for Copperhead Solar & Storage Project.

The deal marks the second PPA between the two companies, following an agreement regarding the Noble Project in Texas, announced last year.

Global sustainability and energy advisory firm, Edison Energy, worked with Hershey on the selection of National Grid Renewables’ Copperhead – a 150MW solar and 100MWh storage project under construction in Falls County, Texas.

“Projects like Copperhead promote sustainability and economic vitality at both global and local levels. Communities like those in the Falls County, Texas area can anticipate economic benefits for years to come as a result of welcoming renewable energy projects,” said Blake Nixon, president of National Grid Renewables.

Using the US Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas (GHG) equivalencies calculator, Copperhead is projected to offset CO₂ emissions by 250,000 metric tons annually.

“We have ambitious goals to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by more than 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030, as part of our science-based targets,” said Mark Kline, director of commodities and speciality procurement at The Hershey Company. “We’re making great progress toward achieving those goals thanks to projects like Copperhead and the great work of National Grid Renewables.”

According to Hershey’s environmental, social and governance report, released in June, the company is on track to achieve its GHG emissions targets, having achieved a 48% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and an 18% reduction in Scope 3, against a 2018 baseline.