Cargill Implements Rooftop Solar Panels at Turyag Factory

Cargill Türkiye has installed 5,000 solar panels across eight rooftops at the Turyağ facility in Balıkesir, marking a significant milestone in the company's sustainability journey. This project enables the factory to generate 3.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, meeting 16% of the facility's energy requirements. The initiative underscores Cargill's commitment to sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1,500 metric tons per year—equivalent to removing approximately 326 vehicles from the road annually.

The project represents a commendable investment of approximately $2.5 million. Beyond its immediate environmental benefits, the rooftop solar panel installation is part of a broader strategy to promote green energy and sustainability across Cargill's operations. Plans are already underway to implement a similar project at the Orhangazi factory, further expanding the company's renewable energy footprint.

"With this forward-looking project, Cargill Türkiye demonstrates its proactive approach towards sustainability,“ said Cem Bilge, Food Solutions META (Middle East, Türkiye and Africa) & Russia Operations Lead. „This project is the first of its kind for Cargill's four factories in Türkiye and we believe that by generating its own electricity and significantly reducing emissions, the Turyağ plant is setting an inspiring example for our other facilities in the region."

The Balıkesir Turyağ facility is a beacon of innovation and quality for Cargill Türkiye. Over the past few years, the plant has developed more than 80 new products, ranging from pastry and baking oils to specialized food ingredients and bulk products. The facility employs 235 people and has earned the 'Reliable Supplier Certificate' and ISO 50001 certification, attesting to its commitment to supply chain security and energy management. The on-site innovation center plays a crucial role in advancing scientific research and developing new product technologies, supporting customers from idea generation to product development.

Cargill has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its operations by 10% by 2025 and in its supply chain by 30% per ton of product sold by 2030. The sustainability projects in the region, including the coal boiler replacement with natural gas, the combined heat and power (CHP) plant, the Solar Power Plant, and various heat recovery and efficiency projects, collectively reduce emissions by 15,000 metric tons per year. This reduction is comparable to removing over 3,260 vehicles from the road annually.