Web Archive
April 18, 2011
For immediate release
Cavendish Farms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28 per cent with move to natural gas
Environment, Energy & Forestry
“As with our investment in biogas, we are always looking to reduce our carbon footprint while making our plant more competitive,“ said Robert Irving, President of Cavendish Farms. “We are looking to eliminate the use of 29 million litres/year of heavy oil while achieving a 30 per cent reduction in energy costs and a 28 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with natural gas. This helps secure good paying manufacturing jobs on the Island. The move to natural gas is good for the business and good for the environment. We appreciate the Province’s support of this investment in cleaner air and energy efficiency with a repayable loan of $15 million for a five-year term.”
This innovative, green project will benefit Prince Edward Island’s environment and economy,” said Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister Richard Brown. “It will allow Cavendish Farms to switch to a less expensive, cleaner source of energy, and will reduce greenhouse gases by 21,000 tonnes a year. It is equivalent to taking 4,200 cars a year off the road. This single action will reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions by 1 per cent.“
Cavendish Farms will now invest in constructing the receiving station for natural gas truck deliveries. This construction will generate 35,000 person hours of work. When completed, it is estimated that 8 - 10 new jobs will be created by the move to natural gas.
The company expects to begin using natural gas in December 2011.
Cavendish Farms employs 700 Islanders full time at the New Annan plant. For over 30 years, the company has produced quality frozen potato products for retail, restaurant and institutional use. The company purchases $200 million per year in goods and services from local Island suppliers. The plant is an award winning leader in food safety.
