The Lucozade and Ribena producer plans to make the site completely independent of its current gas turbine through a new electricity connection.
SBF GB&I Coleford’s existing 11 kilovolt (kv) connection will be upgraded with a 33kv connection, increasing the factory’s access to electricity purchased from renewable sources.
An end to outages
The new connection will also deliver efficiencies throughout the site, helping to reduce external outages and power cuts. At the same time, this new supply will put an end to quarterly maintenance outages that the current combined heat and power unit requires.
According to SBF GB&I, the move away from gas will reduce its Scope 1 emissions by 58% and provide the manufacturer with greater capacity to focus on more emissions reduction projects – including the electrification of its stream systems, new heat pump solutions and solar panels.
Commenting on the investment, SBF U&I supply chain director Karl Ottomar said: GBThis £6 million investment represents a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint.
Focus on sustainability
“Not only will it put us on track to achieve greater emissions reductions quicker, but it allows us to focus on even more sustainability projects and the future integration of renewable energy.”
Planning application has now been submitted and once approved, SBF GB&I hopes the new model will be up and running in 2026. This project will be backed by a Environmental Impact Assessment carried out by local authorities, with the aim to minimise any impact to the local environment or community.
Meanwhile, SBF GB&I has helped boost biodiversity across its blackcurrant grower base by monitoring the birds living in its hedgerows using artificial intelligence technology.
By using AI analysis and recording technology – in partnership with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West – at various habitats on five farms supplying Ribena, the project can collect quantitative data on key species over an average period of 48 days across the year.
