Amid South Africa’s blackouts, AB-InBev goes for solar energy

South Africa | AB-InBev is installing solar panels at its South African breweries in a push to gain greater independence from the state-owned utility firm Eskom, which struggles with blackouts.

According to the website moneyweb.co.za, AB-InBev plans to invest USD 1.2 billion in environmentally friendly energy sources across Africa. The solar panels in South Africa are just one part of the initiative. AB-InBev has set a global target of securing all of its purchased energy from renewable sources by 2025.

The latest move comes as crisis-ridden Eskom in December 2019 had scheduled rolling electricity blackouts due to operational problems. This has prompted South African companies to secure electricity through other means, although regulations require them to buy some of their power from the utility firm, moneyweb.co.za reports.

According to the news site, AB-InBev is completing solar electricity projects at seven South African manufacturing sites. It is also trialling electric trucks for deliveries.

Solar power at the breweries will contribute 10 percent to 15 percent to AB-InBev’s domestic energy needs. Incidentally, it will cost 15 percent to 20 percent less than buying electricity generated by Eskom, it was reported.