PepsiCo has unveiled plans for a substantial investment in solar energy at its Southern Region Distribution Centre (SRDC) in Leicester, marking a significant step in integrating sustainability across its operations.
The multi-million-pound project will support the production and distribution of the company’s extensive food and beverage portfolio, which includes brands such as Walkers, Doritos, Pepsi-Cola and Mountain Dew.
Climate Minister Katie White welcomed the initiative, stating: “We welcome PepsiCo’s decision to embrace our rooftop solar revolution in powering their Walkers crisps distribution centre in Leicester – adding extra crunch to our clean energy mission.
"It's a great example of how businesses in Britain can cut emissions, lower bills and strengthen our energy security."
The solar installation could represent a pivotal moment for sustainability in the UK food and drink sector, demonstrating how major manufacturers can reduce their environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
The project involves installing solar panels across 30,000 m² of roof space at the Leicester facility, an area roughly equivalent to four football pitches.
PepsiCo has partnered with Ineco Energy, a specialist in energy infrastructure, to deliver the installation.
Once operational, the solar panels are expected to generate approximately 2.84 GWh of renewable electricity annually.
This output could be sufficient to power around 1,000 UK homes for a year.
According to PepsiCo, the system should generate 100% of the energy required to power the logistics centre over the course of a year, potentially reducing demand on the national electricity grid.
Any surplus electricity generated will be directed to the adjacent Walkers crisps manufacturing plant, one of the world's largest crisp factories, ensuring maximum utilisation of the renewable energy produced.
PepsiCo is committing £3.6m (US$4.8m) to the solar panel installation, building on a previous £14m (US$18.6m) investment to upgrade the distribution centre in 2021.
Andy Smethurst, UK Warehousing & Logistics Director at PepsiCo, commented: "Leicester is already home to one of the world's largest crisp factories and now we're delivering one of the most complex solar power systems, right here in the East Midlands.
"It's a major milestone for PepsiCo UK and shows how we're continuing to find new ways to power our sites and operate more sustainably."
The distribution centre plays a crucial role in PepsiCo's UK supply chain, handling products from the company's six factories across the country.
The 2021 upgrade introduced state-of-the-art equipment and technology throughout the site, representing one of the largest logistics investments in PepsiCo's UK history.
The solar project forms part of a wider pattern of sustainability investments across PepsiCo's UK operations.
Recent initiatives include switching to electric ovens at the Leicester site, installing efficient machinery on the manufacturing line in Coventry and investing in new efficient fryers at the Brigg facility.
According to the company, these initiatives have contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2,400 tonnes per year.
Angus Rose, Director at Ineco Energy, said: "Ineco is incredibly proud to be delivering this flagship solar project for PepsiCo.
"Once operational, it will be one of the largest rooftop systems of its kind in the UK food manufacturing sector, generating the same amount of energy that the SRDC uses in a full year.
"This project has required a collaborative and highly technical approach and we're delighted to now be moving into the construction phase. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the PepsiCo team."
Construction on the solar power system is underway, with completion expected by September 2026.
The project could signal growing momentum within the food and drink industry towards renewable energy adoption and operational decarbonisation.
Director of UK Logistics & Warehousing
Director
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