AB InBev and energy firm Lightsource BP have teamed up to brew Budweiser beer using 100% renewable electricity.
Both companies have signed a 15-year power purchase agreement which will see 100 megawatts of solar power generated, making it the largest unsubsidised solar energy deal in UK history.
Lightsource BP will fund, develop and operate solar installations that will generate enough electricity for AB InBev’s breweries, in Magor, South Wales and Samlesbury, Lancashire; powering the equivalent of 18,000 homes and producing more than 17 million bottles and cans of Budweiser each week.
The new solar capacity is expected to be added and connected by Lightsource BP at the end of 2020 and all Budweiser products brewed and sold in the UK will begin to feature a new symbol to encourage consumers to choose a beer brewed with 100% renewable electricity.
This move ties in with AB InBev’s global sustainability goals, which includes reducing carbon emissions across its full global value chain by 25% before 2025.
Jason Warner, zone president for Europe at AB InBev (pictured left), said: “Beer has been bringing people together for 3,000 years and we want to ensure that people can continue to enjoy it for generations to come, which is why we’re committed to brewing the highest-quality beer sustainably.
“This deal is about driving positive change in what people buy in their weekly shop, order in the pub or drink with friends. We want to build a movement towards celebrating and growing renewable electricity, and are asking our consumers, customers, colleagues, business partners and fellow companies to join us – we are making our 100% renewable electricity symbol available for any brands who share these values.”
Nick Boyle, group ceo at Lightsource BP (pictured right), added: “Solar is cost-competitive, scalable, reliable and quick to deploy. Our partnership with AB InBev is further proof that solar power can now be delivered at a cost-competitive price. This deal will help transform the energy mix for one of the UK’s biggest brewers, contributing to the overall share of renewables production across the UK.”
“We have reached a pivotal point in the UK energy sector where unsubsidised solar is going to truly make its mark as the cheapest form of energy generation, even compared to wind. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transition with AB InBev, demonstrating that solar makes an ideal partner for corporate power.”
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