Keurig Dr Pepper is to invest €6.44m in its beverage production International Operations hub, based in Newbridge in Co Kildare, which will see the plant powered with 100% renewable electricity
Opened in 2022, the Newbridge facility has a workforce of over 100 employees that manufacture beverage concentrates for some of KDP's biggest brands including Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, 7UP, Big Red and Sunkist. management.
The company said it is planning to electrify its heat through the installation of the latest technology in heat pumps and implement several energy savings initiatives.
Once construction is complete, the revamped beverage production facility will be powered with 100% renewable electricity and will minimise overall energy consumption.
The compay said this will enable it to reduce about 1,600 metric tons of carbon emissions a year, contributing to KDP's 2030 climate commitments to obtain 100% of electricity from renewable sources and reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 30%.
This project is supported by IDA Ireland and installation of the infrastructure upgrades will begin later in 2024 with a construction period of about 12 months.
"We are thrilled to make this green capital investment in our International Operations hub," said David Lainchbury, Chief Procurement Officer & SVP of International Operations at KDP Ireland.
"We recognise that we have a key role to play in this local community, and this investment helps us build economic and environmental resilience in Newbridge and beyond," he added.
IDA CEO Michael Lohan said today's investment from Keurig Dr Pepper aligns with IDA Ireland's goals and the Government's White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, which prioritises decarbonisation.
"By removing all fossil fuel use at KDP Ireland’s Kildare site, this project will not only meet but exceed the carbon reduction targets in the National Climate Action Plan," he added.
Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Peter Burke said Keurig Dr Pepper's plans to invest €6.44m in its Newbridge facility is exceptionally welcome news.
"The plans, including a state-of-the-art facility powered with 100% renewable electricity and reduced carbon emissions, are very much in line with the Climate Action Plan. Introducing these initiatives will help in meeting our targets and go towards protecting our environmental future, both locally and globally," he added.
