Food and drinks business PepsiCo UK has announced it is to invest £3.6 million to install a roof-mounted solar power system at its southern region distribution centre (DC) in Leicester.
Once the project is completed, the solar panels are expected to generate 100% of the energy required to run the DC.
PepsiCo, which is the owner of brands such as Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, and SodaStream, is working with energy infrastructure company Ineco Energy. Roof-mounted solar panels will be installed across 30,000 sq m, and the project is expected to be finished by September this year.
PepsiCo said the 3.56 MWp solar power system should generate around 2.84 GWh of renewable electricity each year. Any surplus electricity generated will go towards powering the Walkers crisps manufacturing plant, which is located next door.
In recent years, PepsiCo UK has invested in electric ovens at its Leicester site, installed more efficient machinery on its manufacturing line at Coventry, and invested in new, more efficient fryers at its Brigg site, where its Pipers crisps product range is made.
These three initiatives have reduced PepsiCo’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 2,400 tonnes a year, the business reported.
Andy Smethurst, UK warehousing & logistics director at PepsiCo, commented: “Leicester is already home to one of the world’s largest crisp factories, and now we’re delivering one of the most complex solar power systems, right here in the East Midlands. It’s a major milestone for PepsiCo UK and shows how we’re continuing to find new ways to power our sites and operate more sustainably.”
Angus Rose, director at Ineco Energy, said of the project: “Once operational, it will be one of the largest rooftop systems of its kind in the UK food manufacturing sector, generating the same amount of electricity that the DC uses in a full year.
“This project has required a collaborative and highly technical approach, and we’re delighted to now be moving into the construction phase. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the PepsiCo team.”
Read more about roof-mounted solar projects in retail on Green Retail World
[image credit: PepsiCo UK]
