ENGIE has teamed up with Heineken Romania to advance the brewery’s net zero journey, focusing on innovative technologies and sustainable energy solutions.
A front-runner in global energy and renewables, ENGIE has established a substantial partnership with Heineken’s Romanian operation as part of the multinational brewing giant’s sustainability-focused ventures.
This strategic alliance is designed to advance Heineken’s ambition to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2030. As well as this, it supports the sprawling advancements of the brand within the sustainability sector.
As part of the partnership, a variety of initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints have been put forward at three of Heineken’s brewery sites in Miercurea-Ciuc, Ungheni (Mures) and Craiova.
The technological enhancements at these sites will include optimized energy conservation methods, installation of an on-site biodigester and additional heat pumps.
A strategic collaboration
“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.”
The collaboration with ENGIE is a vital piece of Heineken Romania’s Integrated Net Zero Production programme.
In its progress, the brewery has formed technical partnerships with respected firms like Arcadis, NIRAS and Royal HaskoningDHV. These alliances leverage cutting-edge technologies and expertise in an effort to cut energy use across logistics and production operations while transitioning to renewable energy sources.
“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.”
Fostering a energy efficient brewing future
This is not the first time Heineken and ENGIE have joined forces.
In 2022, Heineken Spain and ENGIE Spain embarked on a visionary project — the creation of a new renewable solar thermal energy plant at Heineken’s factory in Seville.
By September 2023, the plant was operational and distinguished itself as the largest industrial solar thermal power plant in Europe.
Under a long-term Build, Own, Operate, Transfer (BOOT) agreement, ENGIE Spain pledged to supply 100% renewable energy to Heineken Spain for more than 20 years.
This strategic move positions Heineken Spain to be the first Spanish brewery to hit net zero emissions by 2050, reducing approximately 7,000 tons of CO₂ annually and slashing 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 ambitious sustainability targets as part of its Brew a Better World 2030 initiative, placing sustainability at the heart of its operations.
The company developed these priorities in collaboration with stakeholders to maximise impact and address key industry concerns. The initiative focuses on three core principles: social, responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Heineken commits to fostering a fair and equitable world, adopting a consumer-centric approach to innovation, and achieving net zero emissions.
In 2023, Heineken reported a significant 34% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to its 2018 baseline. The company aims to cut emissions by 30% across its entire value chain by 2030, from a 2018 baseline.
“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.”
