Monday, 26 April 2021
Merck, also known as MSD, announced today, ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations by 2025 (Scopes 1 & 2 emissions) and a 30% reduction in its value chain emissions by 2030 (Scope 3 emissions).
Merck is accelerating by 15 years its previous 2040 goal to source 100% renewable energy for its purchased electricity. Merck signed three new virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for utility-scale energy projects based in Texas and Spain. These projects will address approximately 35% of Merck’s Scope 2 emissions by collectively adding 145 megawatts (MW) of solar and wind energy to the grid.
The Spanish 40 MW PPA was signed with EDP Renewables and the project is located in Albacete (Spain) and is expected to start operations in 2023. EDP Renewables CEO, Miguel Stilwell de Andrade, said: “We are delighted to announce our long-term PPA with Merck, a company which, like us, is doing its part toward decarbonizing the economy. Spain is a strategic market for EDP Group, and we look forward to continuing to actively develop wind and PV energy in this region”.
Further, to achieve the 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, Merck will continue to engage with its suppliers to reduce their emissions, promote opportunities for suppliers to source renewable energy, and use existing procurement and supply chain processes to drive additional strategies to decrease emissions.
“At Merck, we are focused on adopting innovative ways to reduce emissions, in our own operations and across our entire value chain,” said Jennifer Zachary, executive vice president and general counsel, who is also responsible for the company’s global safety and environment function. “Our new VPPA agreements and ongoing engagement with suppliers reflect our responsible use of resources in every aspect of our work.”
Source: Merck Accelerates Climate Goals; Announces Carbon Neutrality in Operations by 2025 - Merck.com
EDPR and MSD sign long-term 40 MW PPA for a wind power project in Spain | EDP Renováveis