Food manufacturer PepsiCo UK has announced a £3.6 million investment in a solar power project at its Southern Distribution Centre (SRDC) in Leicester.

Working with energy infrastructure company Ineco Energy, the project will see solar panels installed across 30,000 square metres of roof space at the distribution centre.

Once complete, PepsiCo said the panels are expected to generate 100% of the energy needed to power the logistics centre over the course of a year, reducing demand on the national electricity grid.

The 3.56 MWp solar power system will reportedly generate around 2.84 GWh of renewable electricity each year, with PepsiCo stating that surplus electricity will go towards powering the Walkers crisps manufacturing plant located next to the distribution centre.

PepsiCo calls investment a “major milestone”

Andy Smethurst, UK warehousing and logistics director at PepsiCo, stated: “Leicester is already home to one of the world’s largest crisp factories, and now we’re delivering one of the most complex solar power systems, right here in the East Midlands. It’s a major milestone for PepsiCo UK and shows how we’re continuing to find new ways to power our sites and operate more sustainably.”

Climate Minister Katie White said: “We welcome PepsiCo’s decision to embrace our rooftop solar revolution in powering their Walkers crisps distribution centre in Leicester – adding extra crunch to our clean energy mission. It’s a great example of how businesses in Britain can cut emissions, lower bills and strengthen our energy security.”

Angus Rose, director at Ineco Energy, said: “Ineco is incredibly proud to be delivering this flagship solar project for PepsiCo. Once operational, it will be one of the largest rooftop systems of its kind in the UK food manufacturing sector, generating the same amount of electricity that the SRDC [Southern Region Distribution Centre] uses in a full year.

“This project has required a collaborative and highly technical approach, and we’re delighted to now be moving into the construction phase. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the PepsiCo team.”

The £3.6 million solar panel installation follows a £14 million investment to upgrade the distribution centre in 2021. The centre employs 240 people and distributes products made at the company’s six factories across the country.