This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
On August 6, 2019, Diageo, the parent company of East African Breweries Limited, announced a Sh22 billion investment in clean energy and water projects at its plants in Kenya and Uganda.
The investment includes Sh6.5 billion for solar, water treatment, and biomass equipment, with additional capital to be invested in ongoing maintenance and operations.
Diageo's breweries in East Africa will switch to renewable energy, using biomass boilers heated by wood chip, bamboo, and rice husks to replace heavy fuel oil.
According to EABL's Group CEO, Andrew Cowan, the new investment will create thousands of new green jobs across the supply chain, particularly in the supply of biofuels in Kenya and Uganda.
The initiative is expected to reduce Diageo's carbon emissions by 42,000 tonnes per year and the amount of water used in operations by 40 per cent.
Mr. Cowan also stated that the use of biomass will reduce carbon emissions by 95 per cent, and solar power will deliver a tenth of the company's power needs.
