“We will brew beer using solar power””

OBC took its first step toward solar-powered beer production.

On August 4th, OBC held ‘RE100 Groundbreaking Ceremony’ at Icheon brewery with KEPCO Energy Solution and Aeonus, and officially commenced installation of solar panels.

The project is part of OBC’s commitment to RE100 initiative (transitioning operations to 100% renewable energy), and the first project in Korea for a company to installs its own power-generating infrastructure and use renewable electricity in its operation.

Last November, OBC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KEPCO ES and Aeonus for a ‘Solar Energy Generation Joint Business’ and agreed to build solar power generation facilities in OBC’s three breweries. Breweries in Gwangju, Cheongju and Icheon are to each produce 12GWh of energy per year. All power generated by solar energy will be used to brew beer.

The construction will commence at Icheon Brewery, followed by the breweries in Gwangju and Cheongju. OBC’s objective is to fully operate solar power generation facilities within the first half of 2022.

If OBC replaces the electricity required to produce beer with renewable energy, approximately 5,621 tons of CO2 (carbon dioxide) can be reduced per year. The impact would be like planting 1.12 million pine trees. Over 160,000 tons of CO2 are expected to be reduced over the 30-year lifespan of the facilities.

“We are taking the first step toward brewing our beers with 100% renewable energy,” said Ben Verhaert, CEO of OBC. “As an ESG leader, OBC will continue its climate action and commit ourselves to carbon neutral policies as part of the RE100 initiative.”

OBC aims to secure 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025 by installing solar power generation facilities and leveraging PPAs (Power Purchase Agreement) and Green Pricing.

Under the MOU, OBC provides the site for the facilities at Gwangju, Cheongju and Icheon breweries, and will use the generated electricity to brew beer. KEPCO ES, an energy-saving solution provider, is responsible for investment, engineering, procurement, and construction. Aeonus, a rental operator of solar power generation facilities, is responsible for operation and maintenance of the facilities. More specifically, securing carbon allowance and credit, and carrying out performance reviews and verification.