CEBA Member Highlight: AB InBev and BayWa r.e.
World’s largest brewer paves the way for cross-border VPPAs in Europe
Earth Day is championed as a significant environmental movement that drives transformative change for people and the planet. So it’s fitting that we celebrate it by releasing a resource that showcases how two CEBA members, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) and BayWa r.e., collaborated on the largest Pan-European corporate solar deal in history.
The REBA-exclusive Pan-European Renewables Procurement Case Study, written in collaboration with both companies, details how AB InBev navigated a new and complex procurement mechanism to successfully develop a cross-border virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA). Once built, the Budweiser Solar Farm project will provide 100 percent renewable electricity for 14 AB InBev breweries across Western Europe.
AB InBev began the project procurement process in 2019 as solar became more cost-competitive, and followed a unique approach by aggregating load across five countries. The company’s strategy allowed for the development of two large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects located in Spain with a combined power of 200 megawatts.
“We are honored to share our story in this case study and give back to the CEBA community. I have learned from CEBA and hope that by sharing our learnings with other members we can continue to push the market forward together.” Moritz Bernhoerster, AB InBev
The Pan-European Renewables Procurement Case Study shares how AB InBev conceptualized, found, and negotiated a cross-border deal to meet its sustainable energy goals through the lens of the project timeline and approach. Non-CEBA members can access a preview that includes key lessons and factors for success presented at each step of the process like:
- Setting internal goals
- Getting internal buy-in
- Mitigating risk
- Ensuring a credible use claim
- Engaging a leading brand in marketing the project
By sharing insights, AB InBev provides an example of how conducting cross-border renewable energy transactions is achievable and how CEBA members and other companies with disbursed load can pursue similar deals in Europe.
“With the right support and some thoughtful planning, other companies with disbursed load across Europe should consider a cross-border VPPA to meet their renewable energy goals.” Moritz Bernhoerster, AB InBev
Read the entire Anheuser-Busch InBev Budweiser Solar Farm Case Study on the REBA InterConnect, our member portal. Not a member? Email membership@cebuyers.org for more information.
Get Involved
Additional resources and events to help you understand the challenges and opportunities in international energy markets are available through the International Collaboration program.
Hear more about innovative projects during the CEBA Member Summit on May 4 – 20. Registration is open to CEBA members, and non-members can purchase ticketed-access to select content.