Diageo looks to bright future with major solar energy plans at packaging plants

Planning permission submitted for extensive on-site solar array to power Diageo’s Leven packaging plant in Fife with renewable energy

Diageo has applied for planning permission for a major new on-site solar energy farm at its Leven packaging plant in Fife. Subject to consent by Fife Council, the plans would see 12,000 solar panels capable of producing 4MW of electricity installed on vacant land at the 150-acre plant, which produces 40 million cases of premium spirits each year.

The plan is part of Diageo’s industry-leading ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions from its direct operations by 2030.

Diageo is working with energy company E.ON and Emtec Energy, a local Scottish business, to develop the plans.

Although covering an extensive area, the solar farm is entirely within the existing footprint of the Leven packaging plant site and is planned carefully to ensure minimal visual and environmental impact on the surrounding area.

Gavin Brogan, Operations Director at Leven Packaging Plant, said: “We have been on the journey to environmental sustainability at Leven for many years and we have made great progress, but this solar array would take us to another level, allowing us to generate our own renewable energy on-site and contributing to Diageo’s global ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

“We have planned this carefully and we are happy to engage our neighbours and local stakeholders during the planning application process.”

Today’s announcement forms part of Society 2030: Spirit of Progress, Diageo’s ambitious ten-year sustainability action plan designed to make a positive impact on the world by 2030. Building on Diageo’s long-standing commitment to significant science-based action to create a sustainable lowcarbon future and having reduced half of the carbon in its operations already, the business aims to remove the rest by 2030, harnessing 100% renewable energy everywhere it operates. It has also committed to partnering with suppliers to reduce indirect carbon emissions by 50%. In Scotland alone, three of the company’s famous Scotch whisky distilleries - Oban, Royal Lochnagar and Brora – have already achieved net zero carbon emissions.

Click here for detailed information about the planning application and to submit planning-related enquiries.

Hear from Kieran McGuire, Diageo Environment Manager at Leven