Alternative Energy

Shedding New Light on Energy Solutions

In addition to our efforts to conserve energy, we use a portfolio approach to determine the best energy solutions for our operations. Both renewable and alternative energy are important parts of P&G’s sustainability program. This flexibility enables us to maximize efficiency and continue to decrease our dependency on conventional petroleum-based energy sources.

Solar

We use solar energy at facilities in Germany, Italy and the U.S., and are evaluating additional opportunities globally.

Wind

In 2011, we installed a wind turbine at P&G’s pet care plant in Coevorden, Netherlands. This is our first investment in wind energy. It will supply approximately 17% of the pet care plant’s annual energy needs, producing approximately 5,500 megawatt hours of energy per year. That’s enough to power up to 1,500 houses in the Netherlands.

Watch a time-lapse video of the installation

Biomass

Our biomass boiler in Albany, Georgia, produces steam to power our plant by using renewable resources. The boiler uses locally purchased wood, supporting local jobs and decreasing the net CO2 production that would have resulted from burning fossil fuels. Wood is delivered to the boiler where combustion takes place on vibrating grates. A Wet Electrostatic Precipitator then scrubs particulate emissions from the boiler, and its leftover ash is beneficially reused to enhance farmlands.

Geothermal

We are evaluating geothermal electrical generation in the United States.

Co-Generation

We are operating six co-generation plants that produce electricity and heat efficiently, maximizing our use of existing energy resources. Multiple co-generational plants are located in the U.S., Mexico, and Italy, with an additional plant under construction in Italy.