Heineken & ENGIE: Brewing a Net Zero Future

Heineken Romania's partnership with ENGIE is a crucial component of the brewery's Integrated Net Zero Production programme. This initiative aims to address the 88% of Heineken's global Scope 1 and 2 emissions that originate from beverage production.

Through this collaboration, Heineken will implement specialised technology and energy solutions in all three of its Romanian breweries, located in Miercurea-Ciuc, Ungheni, and Craiova. 

The collaboration will result in many technological energy solutions and decarbonisation efforts to be implemented, such as encouraging greater energy conservation and introducing an on-site biodigester and more heat pumps. 

“We are delighted to be Heineken’s chosen partner for the provision of complex and turnkey decarbonisation solutions for three of our client’s industrial sites,” says Nicolas Richard, CEO of ENGIE Romania.

“We proposed an integrated approach, from strategy to execution, consisting of innovative solutions and technologies for decarbonisation and heat utilisation.

“Our strategy combines biomethane production from brewery waste and heat recovery through heat pumps. This customised approach will contribute to Heineken’s global ambitions to reach net zero.”

Heineken Romania’s collaboration with ENGIE plays a part in the brewery’s Integrated Net Zero Production programme.

Throughout this programme, Heineken has signed technical agreements with partners such as Arcadis, NIRAS and Royal HaskoningDHV. By doing so, the brewery aims to utilise this technical expertise to help minimise energy demand at logistics and production, whilst also aiding the transition to renewable energy. 

“Our partners bring us expertise in their field, knowledge of the best available technology solutions and an outside-in view of the problems we are trying to solve," says Magne Setnes, Chief Supply Chain Officer of Heineken. 

“These skills are paramount to helping Heineken Global in its ambitions to reach net zero in Scope 1 and 2 by 2030, which cannot be accomplished in isolation. Collaboration with experts is essential to reach our ambitions at the speed and scale we need.”

A Global Partnership

This monumental collaboration between Engie and Heineken has deep roots. In recent years, the manufacturer has established itself as a sustainability pioneer in the beverages sector.

In 2022, Heineken Spain and Engie Spain inked a deal to construct a new renewable solar thermal energy plant at Heineken's Seville factory. By September 2023, the plant was operational, becoming Europe's largest industrial solar thermal power facility. ENGIE Spain committed to supplying Heineken Spain with 100% renewable energy for 20 years through a long-term Build, Own, Operate, Transfer (BOOT) contract.

The Seville plant has been crucial in Heineken Spain's quest to become the first Spanish brewery to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This agreement is expected to reduce Heineken Spain's carbon footprint by approximately 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually and slash fossil gas consumption by 60%

Loreto Ordóñez, CEO of ENGIE Spain, explains: "With the execution and construction of this plant we underline once again ENGIE's commitment to our industrial customers, making available our technical capabilities and our team of professionals to enable the viability of sustainable and renewable energy alternatives.

"We thank Heineken Spain for their confidence in us to be part of this project that is already allowing them to obtain cleaner and more efficient energy in their production processes".

Brew a Better World

Heineken has recently outlined several key sustainability objectives as part of its Brew a Better World 2030 goals.

This initiative has placed sustainability at the centre of its operations.

These priorities were developed in collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders to maximise impact and address key industry concerns.

At the heart of Brew a Better World are three main principles that guide Heineken’s sustainability efforts: social, responsibility, and environmental. This reflects the company’s commitment to building a fair and equitable world, adopting a consumer-focused approach to innovation, and achieving net zero.

In 2023, the brewery reported a 34% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to 2018.

“We must continue to embed sustainability into the fabric of how we work," says Joanna Price, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Heineken. "The steps that we are taking today will enable us to anticipate and mitigate risks, adapt to changing market conditions and seize new opportunities.

"It’s not only the right thing for the planet and society, but also for our business and stakeholders."

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