Nigerian Breweries Plc Pioneers Solar-Powered Manufacturing in Nigeria

Nigerian Breweries Plc, a leading brewer in Nigeria, has set a groundbreaking milestone in the manufacturing sector by commissioning a solar-powered manufacturing plant at its Ibadan Brewery.

A Landmark Achievement

The 663.6 kilowatts per peak (kWp) solar plant was inaugurated by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Makinde applauded Nigerian Breweries Plc for investing in renewable energy. He emphasized that the solar plant will promote environmental sustainability and pledged his administration’s continued support for businesses in the state to thrive.

Governor Makinde also praised the company’s commitment to achieving its ambitious target of 70% renewable energy usage, noting that the completion of the Ibadan Solar Power Plant is a testament to its dedication.

“This is another first in Oyo State. When history will be written on how NB Plc shifted from electricity to renewable energy, it would be said that Ibadan Plant was the first, and as a government, we are very proud to be part of this story,” he stated.

Commitment to Sustainability

In his welcome address, Chief (Dr) Kolawole Jamodu (CFR), Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc, commended Governor Makinde for positioning Oyo State as a favorable investment destination. He highlighted the governor’s efforts in creating an environment conducive to business growth, which encouraged the company to pilot its solar power project in Ibadan.

Chief Jamodu expressed satisfaction with the project, describing it as a reflection of the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability.

Keynote Address by Managing Director

Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, highlighted the significance of the solar plant, calling it a first-of-its-kind in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. He noted that Nigerian Breweries is the first brewer in the country to commission a solar power plant, providing clean, renewable energy for its operations.

Bel disclosed that the Ibadan solar plant is part of a broader plan to develop renewable energy plants across the company’s breweries, aiming for 70% of electricity used to come from clean sources.

“We are not only interested in being Number 1 in sales and profitability. We also want to be Number 1 in environmental sustainability – ensuring that the communities where our breweries are located benefit from our operations in the best possible way,” he said.

Investment in Cleaner Communities

Mr. Bel further emphasized the company’s efforts in environmental stewardship, including investments in state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plants to prevent water pollution. He assured that all wastewater from their breweries is treated and monitored to meet regulatory requirements, ensuring safety for aquatic life and the environment.

Solar Plant Features

The solar plant, built at a cost of over N300 million, is part of Nigerian Breweries’ Brew A Better World sustainability agenda. This initiative aligns with the company’s carbon neutrality targets by increasing energy efficiency in its production processes.

The plant was developed through a fully financed Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with CrossBoundary Energy Limited. It is designed to supply approximately 800 MWh of energy to the brewery annually, significantly reducing power costs and cutting CO2 emissions by over 10,000 tonnes over the plant’s lifespan.

Nigerian Breweries Plc has once again demonstrated its leadership in sustainability and innovation, setting a benchmark for others in the manufacturing industry.