A new wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway has signed a 15-year deal to provide power for about half of Nestlé’s operations in the UK & Ireland when it is completed in 2017.

All of Nestlé’s grid-supplied electricity in the UK and Ireland already comes from renewable sources.

The new Community Windpower nine turbine wind farm will open at Sanquhar in the first half of 2017.

It will produce 125GWh of power per annum, enough to supply the annual demands of 30,000 homes.

Fiona Kendrick, CEO of Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “We announced back in April that all of our grid-supplied electricity is coming from renewable sources but today’s announcement takes things a huge step further.

“This is a newly commissioned wind farm, generating new energy, creating capacity that didn’t previously exist and capable of providing half of our electricity needs.

“It’s a proud moment for us and means we have reached another key milestone in our efforts to become a sustainable business.”

Rod Wood, managing director, Community Windpower, said: “Community Windpower are delighted to be working with Nestlé by providing 50% of their energy requirements from our Sanquhar community wind farm project.

“As a leading party within the RE100, Nestlé’s commitment to sustainable resourcing is exemplary and our partnership is testament to that.”

RE100 is a collaboration of businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity.

Emily Farnworth, RE100 Campaign Director, said: “Nestlé recognises that climate change impacts pose a risk to the business, and sees renewable energy as part of the solution.

“Today’s announcement takes the company a step closer to its goal of sourcing 100% renewable electricity across its global operations, and reinforces the strong market signal – sent through RE100 – that business demand for renewables is rising.”