Anheuser-Busch on track to hit renewable energy goal by 2021

Anheuser-Busch has announced that its entire portfolio of domestic beer brands in the US will be brewed with 100% renewable electricity from solar and wind power by 2021.

Through a solar power purchase agreement with Recurrent Energy, the AB InBev subsidiary will purchase the renewable electricity credits from the energy delivered to the grid by a new solar energy facility being built in Pecos County, Texas.

According to the brewer, the solar project marks the largest of its kind for any US beverage company and sees it reach its 100% renewable electricity target in the US four years ahead of its 2025 goal.

The new solar energy facility will be fully operational by 2021 and is expected to generate 650-gigawatt hours of energy annually, allowing for the brewing of brands such as Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Busch by 100% renewable electricity.

Last year, Anheuser-Busch launched its US 2025 Sustainability Goals, focused on four key areas: renewable electricity and carbon reduction, water stewardship, smart agriculture, and circular packaging.

“At Anheuser-Busch, sustainability isn’t part of our business, it is our business,” said Ingrid De Ryck, VP, procurement and sustainability at Anheuser-Busch. “This is about category leadership and making a positive contribution in the communities we live and work.

“This expansion and investment in our renewable electricity commitment not only brings us closer to realising our dream of a better world, it also moves our business and operations forward.”

Anheuser-Busch CEO Michel Doukeris said: “From our 18,000 colleagues to our wholesaler partners, our teams across the country will continue to find innovative ways to create a world that is cleaner and more sustainable for future generations.”

This announcement follows on the heels of Budweiser becoming the first Anheuser-Busch brand to be brewed with 100% renewable electricity from wind power in 2018, which the brand showcased in a commercial during this year’s Super Bowl.

Last year, Anheuser-Busch took another step towards its 2025 sustainability targets by ordering 800 hydrogen-powered semi-trucks from Nikola Motor Company, enabling the reduction of emissions produced by its dedicated distribution fleet.

The company said the trucks will be integrated into its fleet from 2020 and will reduce emissions produced from its logistics operations by 18% once all 800 trucks are operational.