Energy efficiency and using renewables to power its operations are the key aims for Mr Kipling manufacturer Premier Foods as it invests in solar power installation at its Carlton Bakery site.
Announced today (30 October), a £2.1 million investment over two years has resulted in a solar energy farm being added to the South Yorkshire-based food production location.
Installed on vacant land within the site, the 2.2MW solar farm spans 2.9 hectares and features 3,500 panels. Once fully operational in November, it will have the potential to supply nearly three quarters of the site’s electricity needs at peak production. Premier Foods said it will power much of its operations – from mixers and packaging machinery to lighting and office equipment.
Premier, which makes Mr Kipling cakes and other products at the site, said the solar project is expected to reduce its carbon emissions by 468 tonnes per year and deliver savings in annual energy costs, supporting the long-term resilience of the business.
Nick Brown, who was appointed ESG director at Premier Foods in 2021, commented: “Our Carlton Bakery was the largest purpose-build bakery in the world when it opened in the 1970s, and it remains the biggest bakery in the UK.
“This investment ensures it’s part of a more sustainable future. By generating more of our energy needs on site, we’re not only reducing our carbon footprint but making our operations even more resilient.”
He added: “It’s also positive that the solar farm has the capability to potentially export electricity back into the local electricity grid, when we are producing more electricity than we need.”
The move forms part of a wider programme of solar investment across Premier Foods’ manufacturing sites, including a £500,000 system going in at its Stoke bakery and a further £500,000 project which is now under way in Ashford.
[image credit: Jason Alden Commercial Photographer London for Premier Foods]
