UAE – Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages, Coca-Cola’s bottler and distributor in the UAE, has signed a joint investment agreement with Emerge to construct a 1.8-megawatt (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant for its Al Ain facility.

Emerge, formed in 2021, is a joint venture between the UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF to develop distributed solar, energy efficiency, street lighting, battery storage, off-grid solar, and hybrid solutions for commercial and industrial clients.

The commercial & industrial (C&I) project, located at the Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages facility in Al Ain, will be a combination of the ground-mounted rooftop, and car park installations.

Emerge will provide a full turnkey solution for the 1.8-megawatt peak (MWp) project, including the design, procurement, and construction, as well as operation and maintenance of the plant for 25 years.

Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages has a bottling plant in Al Ain and distribution centers across the UAE to manufacture and distribute Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Arwa Water, Smart Water, and Schweppes. It also distributes Monster Energy and Costa Coffee retail products.

Mohamed Akeel, Chief Executive Officer, Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages, said: “This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to drive and embrace innovation in every part of our business while reducing our carbon footprint.”

“Our agreement with Emerge will allow us to reach yet another sustainability milestone – a big aspect of which is the integration of more renewable energy into our operations.”

The high cost of fuel and electricity has boosted the unprecedented growth globally of C&I solar segment since 2021. IHS Markit projects that 125 gigawatts (GW) of C&I rooftop solar will be installed globally by 2026.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) REmap 2030 report, rooftop solar PV could provide approximately 6 percent of the United Arab Emirate’s total power generation by 2030.

Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland invests £17m in Lisburn facility expansion

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland has invested £17m in expanding its Lisburn production facility which will create 35 additional permanent jobs.

The 4,500sq m extension at the Knockmore Hill site will take in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.

Since 2008, over £127 / €145 million has been invested in the facility in Knockmore Hill, a significant proportion of this is used to further Coca-Cola HBC’s goal of achieving NetZero by 2040, including the rollout of innovative and environmentally friendly cardboard packaging solutions, water saving initiatives and increasing the use of recycled plastic.

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