ADM's global commitment to reducing carbon emissions takes a significant step forward in its Brazilian operation. For the first time, the company will invest in wind energy to supply seven plants installed in the country: Campo Grande (MS), Rondonópolis (MT), Santos (SP), Joaçaba (SC), Porto Franco (MA), Três Corações and Uberlândia (both in MG). The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed with Casa dos Ventos, a company that holds the largest portfolio of wind and solar generation projects in the country. The forecast is for savings of around US$18 million over 15 years, the initial duration of the contract.
The agreement will rely on energy generated at the Babilônia Sul Wind Complex, located in Morro do Chapéu and Várzea Nova, Bahia, and will provide an annual reduction of 19,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, thus contributing to combating climate change. "This is an important step for us to advance in clean energy consumption with self-generation projects and reinforces sustainability in a prominent position in the company's business strategy," declares Domingo Lastra, ADM's President for Latin America, noting that the company also uses renewable energy sources in other units, such as the Campo Grande, Rondonópolis, Joaçaba, and Villeta plants, where ADM plants trees to supply boiler combustion from 100% reforested eucalyptus chips.
Casa dos Ventos' New Business Director, Lucas Araripe, highlights companies' commitment to ESG principles as one of the main drivers of the expansion of the renewable energy matrix today. "Through partnerships like this, we are including about 1.5 GW of renewable energy in the Brazilian matrix by 2023, and we are prepared to support companies in their energy transition as a strategic partner." The executive also states that, to expand the supply of wind and solar energy, the company will invest in hybrid parks. "We bet on the complementarity of sources to enhance the generation capacity of the ventures."
Environmental Goals
The use of clean energy helps ADM achieve the environmental goals set out in the company's internal Strive 35 program – an ambitious plan to, by 2035, reduce absolute GHG emissions by 25%; reduce energy consumption intensity by 15%, reduce water use intensity by 10%, and achieve a landfill diversion rate of 90%. "We are aware of our carbon footprint in our operations and supply chain. We have a sustainability policy that establishes a set of environmental goals, which is reviewed year by year, and we unite all efforts to meet them," comments Diego Di Martino, ADM Latam sustainability leader. Furthermore, the company is also committed to developing a global strategy, focused on improving community well-being in priority watersheds, including water-stressed areas, by 2025.
COP26
Earlier this week, Juan Luciano, CEO of ADM, signed a declaration alongside other agribusiness giants, committing to develop, by the next COP – COP27, which will be held in November next year, a roadmap of actions to contain global warming to 1.5% above pre-industrial levels. The document, which will be announced at the World Leaders' Summit on Forests and Land Use during COP26, is further public evidence of ADM's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
About ADM
Present for over 20 years in South America, Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) is one of the largest agribusiness companies in the world. It operates in the processing and commercialization of grains (soybeans and corn); manufactures vegetable oils, ingredients and inputs for the chemical, food and animal nutrition industries, biodiesel, and operates a large logistical structure to bring these products to markets worldwide. It is in Brazil, however, that ADM's largest South American operation is located, employing approximately 6,400 employees since 1997 – the year its operations began. In 2020, ADM recorded its third consecutive annual record in grain origination in Brazil. Since 2009, through ADM Cares – its social investment program – the company has invested over US$4.5 million in South America, supporting various projects in the educational, social, and environmental areas. www.adm.com
About Casa dos Ventos
Casa dos Ventos is a Brazilian company that develops, builds, and operates renewable energy generation projects. Responsible for the largest wind measurement campaign ever undertaken globally, the company developed one in every three wind farms operating in Brazil. The company's trajectory is marked by investment in innovation and the creation of customized solutions to support consumers' energy transition towards a sustainable supply. To maintain its leadership in the sector, Casa dos Ventos holds the largest portfolio of wind and solar projects in Brazil. The company has joined the UN Global Compact and works in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the best ESG practices, preserving local biomes, developing social projects in the communities where it operates, and contributing to a low-carbon economy.
