This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
On August 7, 2019, Diageo announced plans to invest KSh22 billion in renewable energy and water recovery projects through its subsidiary, East African Breweries Limited (EABL). The project involves an initial investment of KSh6.5 billion in solar, water treatment, and biomass equipment, followed by an additional KSh15 billion in long-term capital investments for ongoing maintenance and operations.
As part of the project, EABL will switch to renewable energy sources, including biomass boilers that will eliminate the use of heavy fuel oil in its production process. This move is expected to reduce EABL's carbon emissions by 95%, amounting to 42,000 tonnes per year.
The project also includes the installation of new water recovery and purification facilities, which will reduce the amount of water used in operations by 40%, or approximately 1.2 billion cubic litres annually.
Additionally, solar power will deliver a tenth of the firm's power needs, with planned installations in six breweries across three countries. The Kisumu production plant has already been equipped with solar power and water treatment facilities.
According to EABL's group CEO, Andrew Cowan, the move to more sustainable energy sources will create jobs. 'The new investment will deliver thousands of new green jobs across the supply chain, particularly in the supply of biofuels in Kenya and Uganda,' he said.
For instance, the fuel supply for six new biomass boilers has the potential to create 900 jobs in the supply chain for local farmers providing the biomass fuel.
