According to recent reports, PepsiCo has invested €2.4 million in a new rooftop solar panel installation at its Cork facility.
The installation features over 3,400 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, adding 1,625 kilovolt-amperes (kVA) of generation capacity to the site. During peak summer months, the system has the potential to meet 100% of the facility’s energy needs and is expected to cover more than 20% of the plant’s annual electricity demand.
The solar system covered 6,800 square meters, or about 40% of the facility’s roof area, and produced 77,634 kWh in August alone—the equivalent monthly usage of 220 households.
Brian Colgan, site director of PepsiCo’s Little Island branch, expressed enthusiasm about the development, describing it as “the latest example of our commitment to ensuring that sustainability and social impact are at the heart of our work.”
This announcement coincides with PepsiCo’s recent recognition as one of the top 100 consumer goods companies of 2024 and marks the 50th anniversary of its Little Island facility.
PepsiCo’s recent investments in the Cork site include a €39 million expansion of its manufacturing capabilities for its global beverage products in October 2023, as well as a €127 million investment earlier in the year to enhance both manufacturing and research capacities at the facility.
Ireland’s solar sector has seen growing activity this year. In June, Danish energy company Ørsted started its first solar project in Ireland, and in September, Cork-based EV charging company ePower raised €16 million to support growth in both EV and solar energy markets.
