The agreement is part of Budweiser's Choose Earth campaign
- This is the largest public renewable electricity commitment ever made by a Canadian brewer
- Through this long-term Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA), Budweiser is purchasing 51% of the electricity generated from Capital Power's 75-megawatt Enchant Solar facility in Taber, Alberta
- Beginning in 2022, the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from this partnership, will cover all of the electricity needed to brew Budweiser in Canada and will result in the early achievement of Labatt's 100% renewable purchased electricity goal by 2025
TORONTO, April 19, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, Canada's best-selling beer brand, Budweiser announced a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Capital Power, a leading player in state-of-the-art energy sustainability. The agreement includes approximately 51% of the electricity generated by a new solar facility in Taber, Alberta. Of Budweiser's contracted electricity, approximately one-quarter will be bundled with project-generated RECs directly from the solar facility and three-quarters will be bundled with RECs sourced elsewhere in Canada. This milestone development is the next chapter in AB InBev's global sustainability strategy in which Labatt Breweries of Canada plays a significant role, and specifically the Budweiser brand's commitment to produce every beer it brews using 100% renewable electricity.
"This initiative is solar-powered proof of Budweiser Canada's commitment to renewable electricity, and it supports Budweiser's commitment to brew every beer with 100% renewable electricity," said Andrew Oosterhuis, VP Marketing, Labatt Breweries of Canada. "We're very proud to be Canada's leading brewer in renewable electricity and believe that a brighter future is in our hands. We are optimistic that this type of collaborative and innovative partnership will begin to define the model by which Canadian companies can join us in choosing earth."
The long-term deal supports the addition of Capital Power's Enchant Solar project to the Alberta market. This is the largest public renewable electricity commitment ever made by a Canadian brewer, with Labatt's Budweiser brand leading the way in publicly announcing an innovative agreement of this nature. This agreement demonstrates the power of collaboration across industries to advance renewable electricity, for a better world. Construction is set to break ground in the second quarter of 2022 with commercial operations expected by the fourth quarter of 2022.
"Capital Power is excited to support Budweiser's renewable electricity goals through this unique, collaborative agreement," said Sian Barraclough, Vice President, Strategy and Sustainability, Capital Power. "Our team of experts and innovators is dedicated to developing customized renewable energy solutions that meet the needs of our partners, and empower them to meet their clean energy targets. As we work to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2050, we plan to develop renewable projects that not only help us meet our sustainability goals but support a low-carbon economy overall."
"I commend both Labatt and Capital Power for their leadership and their impressive commitment to powering Budweiser's operations with 100% renewable electricity. Projects like Capital Power's Enchant Solar facility are a clear example of why Alberta's energy-only electricity market is highly competitive and is so attractive for private investment. We are pleased to see industrial electricity consumers increasingly committed to reducing the carbon intensity of their operations, which unlocks huge potential for market-driven, renewable electricity generation in Alberta. This contributes to competitive electricity prices for consumers while brands like Labatt fulfill their environmental, social and corporate governance commitments," said Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity for the Government of Alberta.
Globally, Budweiser has brewed over 10 billion beers with renewable electricity and has supported renewable infrastructure projects valued at $1 billion. This long-term partnership marks AB InBev's (Labatt's parent company) 12th major virtual power purchase agreement around the world and is the first of its kind in Canada.
AB InBev's 2025 Sustainability Goals which were introduced in 2018, remain the company's most ambitious public commitment yet and include:
- Smart Agriculture: 100% of our direct farmers are skilled, connected and financially empowered
- Water Stewardship: 100% of our communities in high stress areas have measurably improved water availability and quality
- Circular Packaging: 100% of our product is in packaging that is returnable or made from majority recycled content
- Climate Action: 100% of our purchased electricity comes from renewable sources & 25% reduction of carbon emissions across our value chain