PepsiCo UK has officially launched a major sustainability initiative, announcing a £3.6 million investment to install a state-of-the-art, roof-mounted solar power system at its Southern Region Distribution Centre (SRDC) in Leicester. This project marks a significant stride in the company’s broader effort to integrate renewable energy into its critical supply chain infrastructure, helping to power the distribution of iconic brands like Walkers, Doritos, and Pepsi-Cola.
- Investment of £3.6 million in a new solar power installation.
- System covers 30,000 square metres, equivalent to four football pitches.
- Anticipated to generate 100% of the distribution centre’s annual energy needs.
- Project scheduled for completion by September 2026.
- Excess energy to support the neighboring world-class Walkers crisp factory.
Driving Sustainable Logistics
The solar infrastructure project, delivered in partnership with Ineco Energy, is a pivotal component of PepsiCo’s “pep+” (PepsiCo Positive) strategy. By utilizing 30,000 square metres of existing roof space, the company is transforming the facility into an active clean energy generator. Once operational, the system is expected to produce approximately 2.84 GWh of renewable electricity annually—enough to sustain about 1,000 UK homes for a year.
Beyond achieving energy independence for the logistics hub, the installation serves as a strategic asset for the adjacent Walkers manufacturing plant. Any surplus power generated will be redirected to the factory, further reducing the environmental footprint of one of the world’s largest crisp production facilities.
Scaling Renewable Energy Infrastructure
This investment follows a history of infrastructure upgrades at the Leicester site, building upon a £14 million investment in 2021. The new solar array is not an isolated effort; it is part of a series of sustainability-focused capital expenditures across PepsiCo UK. Recent initiatives have included transitioning to electric ovens in Leicester and optimizing manufacturing machinery in Coventry and Brigg. Collectively, these actions demonstrate a systematic approach to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions across the company’s UK supply chain.
FAQ: People Also Ask
When will the Leicester solar project be completed?
Construction of the solar power system is currently underway, with the project expected to be fully installed and operational by September 2026.
How much energy will the new system generate?
The installation is expected to generate approximately 2.84 GWh of renewable electricity annually, which is anticipated to meet 100% of the distribution centre’s energy requirements.
What happens to the excess solar energy produced?
Any surplus renewable electricity generated by the rooftop solar panels will be utilized to power the nearby Walkers crisp manufacturing factory, further lowering the company’s overall reliance on the national grid.
