Greener brewing in Europe

AB InBev is the world’s largest brewer and home to Budweiser, the world’s most valuable alcoholic brand. The brewer set out ambitious goals for 2025, aiming to have 100% of its purchased electricity coming entirely from renewable sources, and to achieve a 25% reduction of CO₂ emissions across its value chain.

With its reputation for ambition and driving forward, Budweiser took the lead on this project, allowing AB InBev’s operations in Western Europe to brew its beers using 100% renewable electricity from the ‘Budweiser Solar Farm’. 

Back in 2020 AB InBev partnered up with BayWa r.e. to facilitate the 10-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) for the solar farm, which will be built in Spain.

International cross-border projects of this scale were relatively new at the time of conception, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the BayWa r.e. team. The successful result represented the then largest Pan-European corporate solar power deal in history.

Providing enough power to not only cover existing operations but to also leave room for future growth required building two separate PV projects across two locations in Spain.

Power generated from these projects will meet the operational needs of 14 AB InBev breweries across Western Europe, which brew some of the most beloved beers in the world, including the King of Beers – Budweiser.  

The two solar farms will provide 250 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power 670,000 European homes or 100,000 stadium football matches.  

Facilitating such a massive transfer of power across international borders comes with its own unique challenges. Our intimate knowledge of EU legislation and clean energy policy is integral to getting the job done. We’re sharing the burden of risk with AB InBev, guiding them through the process to provide both security and also spot emerging opportunities.

Both Spanish PV projects are scheduled for completion in May 2022 and will mean AB InBev’s beer brewing operations in Western Europe will be powered by 100% renewable electricity. 

This represents another shining example of major brands, listening to customers’ concerns, and taking action towards a greener future. Cheers to that!