Published: 4 Aug 2021, 12:04
The Leven Packaging Plant, where Diageo is intending to install new solar PV. Image: Diageo
Drinks company Diageo – which produces spirits and beers such as Captain Morgan, Smirnoff and Guinness – has applied for planning permission for a new on-site solar farm.
The solar – which would be capable of producing 4MW of electricity and consist of 12,000 panels – would be located on vacant land at its Leven Packaging Plant in Fife.
Diageo is working with E.ON and Emtec Energy to develop the plans, which form part of its ambition to achieve net zero caron emissions from its direct operations by 2030.
Gavin Brogan, operations director at Leven Packaging Plant, said the solar would take the company’s decarbonisation “to another level”.
“We have planned this carefully and we are happy to engage our neighbours and local stakeholders during the planning application process.”
Diageo has already reduced half of the carbon in its operations, and is aiming to harness 100% renewable energy everywhere it operates.
A report from npower Business Solutions released earlier this year found that solar is the most popular choice for businesses looking to invest in renewables as part of their decarbonisation strategies due to falling costs and the relative ease of installation.
Most recently, supermarket chain Lidl GB announced it will be installing solar panels on all new stores as part of a new commitment to be carbon neutral by 2022.