Mars Inks Major Swedish Wind Deal to Decarbonize European Operations

MCLEAN, VA – February 24, 2026 – Mars, Incorporated, the global food and pet care giant, has taken a significant leap forward in its decarbonization efforts by securing the majority of power from a newly commissioned wind farm in Sweden. The long-term agreement gives Mars 70% of the annual output from the Kölvallen Wind Farm, one of Europe's most advanced onshore wind projects, injecting approximately 670 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity into its European operations and supply chain annually.

A Blueprint for Corporate Climate Action

This move is a cornerstone of the company's ambitious "Renewable Acceleration Program," a strategy designed to extend renewable energy across its entire value chain. The deal goes beyond simply powering Mars's own factories; it aims to support the energy needs of its vast network of suppliers and partners, tackling the challenging Scope 3 emissions that lie outside a company's direct control.

The commitment is a critical component of Mars's broader "Sustainable in a Generation Plan," a multi-billion dollar initiative aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its full value chain by 2050. The company has a science-based interim target of halving its emissions by 2030 from a 2015 baseline. Recent reports indicate the company has already reduced its absolute GHG emissions by over 16% while significantly growing its business, demonstrating a decoupling of growth from its carbon footprint. This Swedish wind power agreement is expected to contribute substantially to these goals, with the Renewable Acceleration Program alone projected to cut the company's total carbon footprint by 10% by 2030.

Fueling the European Green Transition

The impact of this corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) extends far beyond Mars's own sustainability ledger. By providing a long-term revenue guarantee, Mars's commitment was instrumental in enabling the project's developer, Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners, to secure financing and move forward with construction. This model, where large corporations underwrite new renewable projects, is becoming an increasingly vital mechanism for accelerating Europe's transition away from fossil fuels.

The Kölvallen Wind Farm, with a total installed capacity of 277.2 megawatts (MW), is a significant addition to the continent's green energy infrastructure. The total energy generated by the farm is enough to power the equivalent of 95,000 households annually. This deal places Mars alongside other consumer goods leaders like Nestlé, Unilever, and PepsiCo, who are also leveraging their scale to enter into large-scale PPAs, effectively becoming key drivers in the growth of the renewable energy market. These corporate actions are crucial for helping nations meet their climate targets and for building a more resilient, decentralized energy grid.

Power, Partnership, and Progress

The partnership between the global consumer brand and the energy investment manager highlights a synergistic approach to sustainable development. "Our commitment to partner with Foresight Group in this Swedish wind farm is a clear demonstration of our ambition to support the renewable energy transition across Europe," said Kevin Rabinovitch, Global VP Sustainability at Mars, in a statement. "Through the Renewable Acceleration Program, we are making renewables the standard for our entire value chain, driving impactful change not only for our business but also for the communities and regions where we operate."

The Kölvallen project is designed to be a model of efficiency and environmental stewardship, expected to become climate neutral within its first few months of operation. For Foresight Group, partnering with a stable, committed buyer like Mars de-risks the massive capital investment required for such infrastructure.

Richard Thompson, a Partner at Foresight Group, commented on the collaboration's success. "We are delighted to partner with Mars on the delivery of one of Europe's most advanced onshore wind developments," he stated. "Kölvallen will provide meaningful environmental and economic benefits for decades to come, from substantial emissions reductions to local investment and skilled job creation. We're proud to work alongside Mars in setting a new benchmark for impactful, community focused renewable energy projects."

Beyond the Grid: Investing in Local Communities

A key aspect of the Kölvallen project is its focus on delivering tangible local benefits alongside its global climate impact. The agreement ensures that the project contributes directly to the well-being of the Swedish region where it is located. This includes the creation of skilled jobs during both the construction and long-term operational phases of the wind farm, as well as secondary employment opportunities in the surrounding area.

Furthermore, the project includes the establishment of a community fund, which will be supported by a portion of the wind farm's annual revenue. This fund is designed to support local initiatives and development, ensuring that the community shares in the economic success of the renewable energy project. This approach counters common criticisms of large-scale energy projects by embedding community partnership and shared value directly into the business model, demonstrating that global climate action can and should generate local prosperity.

This Swedish initiative is not an isolated effort. It follows a 2025 contract under the same Mars program that launched over 100 solar projects in Poland. By systematically adding large-scale renewable capacity in key European markets, the maker of brands like M&M'S, Royal Canin, and Ben's Original is building a powerful portfolio of clean energy that addresses its operational footprint and sets a new standard for supply chain responsibility.