As part of efforts to boost its energy resources and reduce the cost of power, Nigerian Breweries, has commissioned a 663.6 KWP solar power plant at its Ibadan facility.
The project, which was carried out in partnership with CrossBoundary, a renewable energy investment firm was completed in December 2020, and has 1680 solar modules installed on the roof monitors and the main roof of the brewery.
The plant will supply approximately 800 megawatts of power to the brewery annually while also reducing the site’s Carbon footprint by over 10,000 tonnes. The solar project is based on a power purchase agreement with CrossBoundary limited while the technical solution was developed, installed and commissioned by Topec (PON Power).
Speaking during the commissioning of the project in Ibadan, Oluseyi Makinde, governor, Oyo state said the move by the company is worthy of commendation, adding that it is a vital aspect that should drive human endeavour which is sustainability.
“If a corporation like Nigerian breweries is thinking of making the environment better, then the primary thought of politicians is how to make the society better for the citizens.
Our administration still thinks about sustainability, not just sustainability of the environment which includes energy and mineral resources, but the sustainability of new ways with which things are done and sustainability of the relationship between the public and private sector” he said.
Jordi Borrut Bel, managing director/chief executive officer (CEO), Nigerian Breweries explained that the company is on a path to achieving carbon neutrality in production by 2030, starting with a thirty percent reduction in carbon emissions, adding that this will be done in partnership with suppliers and partners across the entire value chain.
“We are the first brewery in Nigeria to commission a solar plant on its premises to provide clean and renewable energy and Nigerian Breweries also plans to extend this new development to its breweries located in other Nigerian states starting with Aba brewery, Ama brewery in Enugu, and the Lagos brewery,” he said.
He added that the company has invested heavily in ensuring cleaner water in its host communities, having built a world-class standard waste water treatment plant in its breweries to ensure that it does not cause water pollution.
“We are pleased to be driving the attainment of SDG 7 in Nigeria through energy transition roadmap in our business. We believe that Nigeria’s renewable energy sector can provide much needed green job, tap global capital, improve access to affordable reliable power for businesses and enable Nigeria to fulfil its economic potentials.
Beyond solar energy we are also exploring powering our breweries situated in suitable climates with alternative energy from wind, biogas and hydroelectric energy,” he added.
Kolawole Jamodu, Chairman, Nigerian Breweries explained that the Ibadan brewery is significant to the company, as it is the third largest brewery in Nigeria, adding that the project is the first of its kind in Nigeria’s brewery industry.
He noted that the new development will help the company reduce dependence on diesel and other fossil fuels, while adopting cleaner and renewable energy sources beneficial to the company and the environment
The chairman also commended the activities of the Oyo state government in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, adding that the company as a rule compliant firm has paid a total sum of N620 billion in combined taxes of PAYE, levies, etc. to the Oyo state government.
Jamodu added that as the company moves to celebrate its 75 years anniversary this year, it will also intensify its efforts in setting the pace in innovative ideas, integrity and customer satisfaction.
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