Ardagh Glass Packaging to power California’s facility with solar energy

USA – Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America (AGP-North America), a division of Ardagh Group, has completed the construction of a 13MW solar facility at its glass manufacturing plant in Madera, California.

The 55-acre solar farm will provide nearly 20% of the plant’s electricity needs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. 

AGP-North America President and CEO Brian Brandstatter highlighted the initiative as a significant step toward environmental responsibility, “This renewable electricity project in Madera is a testament to Ardagh’s commitment to sustainability.

“Beyond protecting the environment, we invest in our local community and customers. Enhancing our sustainability efforts ensures long-term value, reliability, and cost-effective solutions for the brands that rely on us.

“This initiative underscores our dedication to being a responsible and forward-thinking glass container manufacturer in California.”

The solar project was developed with Longroad Energy and several industry partners, including First Solar, Valta Energy, McCarthy Building Companies, Nevados, and A-C Electric Company. 

Ardagh has been actively expanding its renewable energy initiatives across its operations.

Eric Barnhart, Vice President of Corporate Development at Longroad Energy, expressed pride in supporting AGP-North America’s sustainability objectives, “Longroad Energy is pleased that our solar project will help AGP-North America to meet its impressive sustainability goals.

“We are proud to collaborate with AGP-North America and contribute to a clean and more resilient future.”

Ardagh previously partnered with KDC Solar in 2019 to develop a solar field at its glass manufacturing facility in Bridgeton, New Jersey. 

Global expansion of renewable energy commitments

Beyond North America, AGP has been strengthening its European clean energy footprint. AGP-Europe signed a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Rezolv Energy in Bulgaria in September last year.

This agreement secures 110 GWh of renewable electricity per year from the 229 MW St. George solar photovoltaic (PV) project, set to launch in April 2026.

Schneider Electric, known for its expertise in corporate renewable energy procurement, facilitated the deal, making AGP-Europe a corporate investor in Bulgaria’s energy transition.

The solar project, one of the largest in Bulgaria, will feature nearly 400,000 PV panels and supplement AGP-Europe’s existing wind energy supply secured in Sweden earlier this year. 

Ardagh Group operates 60 production plants in 16 countries, employs approximately 19,000 people, and generates annual sales of US$9.1 billion.

By integrating solar and wind energy into its operations, Ardagh continues to drive a greener, more resilient supply chain and ensure consistent renewable power sources across its global footprint.

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