In 2023, the Dutch brewing giant invested £28.2 million in its Manchester facility to enable the installation of large-scale industrial heat pump technology.
This investment has now enabled Heineken UK to achieve a 33% reduction in on-site natural gas consumption, which has in turn led to a 42% reduction in CO2 emissions.
The reduction reflects the latest measured results since the system was commissioned last year, following installation work that began after the initial investment was made.
The Amsterdam-based firm said the investment marks a major step forward in its “sustainability journey” and the decarbonisation of its beer production.
Heineken said the heat pump network facilitated by the investment is now fully embedded across the site, significantly reducing the brewery’s reliance on natural gas for on-site heating and transforming how energy is generated and used.
Through reducing natural gas use, the project is helping to cut the brewery’s reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen its resilience against energy market volatility.
Chris Kerr, supply chain director at Heineken UK, said: “Decarbonising a brewery requires a combination of technology and skill, and is a complex challenge facing our industry. This project marks a step change in how energy can be generated and used in our Manchester Brewery and has impacted every part of our operations from inception to launch. It has been transformational for one of the largest breweries in the UK.
“Our team at Manchester are truly at the heart of this project and they have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this possible, adapting day to day while continuing to brew brilliant beer. Their support, drive and ability to continuously optimise the system to our specific requirements is what’s helping us decarbonise brewing while continuing to innovate at our historic brewery.”
He continued: “We’re confident in the heat pumps’ continued positive performance, with the installation already achieving on average 80% of the estimated on-site gas reduction. This is a blueprint not just for us at Heineken UK, but for the wider brewing and manufacturing sectors, demonstrating how investment in low-carbon technology can deliver both environmental benefits and long-term operational resilience.”
The Manchester brewery is the manufacturer’s largest UK facility and produces 2.5 million pints a day of some of Heineken’s biggest brands, including Heineken, Cruzcampo, Foster’s, Moretti and Red Stripe.
More than 240 people are employed at the brewery.
The project has been supported by £3.7 million from the government’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF), helping to accelerate the deployment of innovative technology aimed at reducing industrial emissions.
