Ho Chi Minh City, May 15, 2023- Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (SABECO) and SP Group (SP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to formalize a partnership to expand the 2nd phase of Rooftop Solar energy system installation and operation, with a maximum output of 10,44MWp (Megawatt-peak) at 9 SABECO’s breweries. This will bring the total number to 17 breweries adopting solar energy in SABECO’s system by end of 2023.
.jpeg)
Rooftop Solar Energy system at Bia Saigon Quang Ngai Brewery was installed and operated in the 1st phase
The 1st phase kick started in 2020, with SABECO invested more than 107 billion VND into rooftop solar power systems with a maximum output of 9 MWp at Cu Chi, Dak Lak, Phu Yen, Quy Nhon, Song Lam, Khanh Hoa, Can Tho, Soc Trang and Ben Tre breweries. The success of 1st phase implementation have led to the expansion of 2nd phase with additional 9 breweries.
Under the MoU, SP has been commissioned by SABECO to install and operate the rooftop solar panels at 9 of SABECO’s breweries: Cu Chi (expansion), Lam Dong, Ha Tinh, Ha Noi, Tay Do, Vinh Long, Nguyen Chi Thanh, Bac Lieu and Quang Ngai. The installment is scheduled to complete and the system is expected to go on full operation by end of Q3/2023. The whole system (17 breweries) is estimated to efficiently provide almost 23% of electricity consumption at the breweries, amounting to 25 million kWh saving of electricity, which is equivalent to a reduction of 18,000 tons of emitted CO2 annually. This will contribute to the company’s target to achieve net zero emission by 2050.
.jpg)
SABECO and SP Group signed a MoU to formalize a partnership to expand the 2nd phase of Rooftop Solar energy system installation and operation at 9 Bia Saigon Breweries
Speaking at the Signing Ceremony, Mr. Bennett Neo – General Director of SABECO, emphasized that: “SABECO always seek to implement initiatives and solutions that support sustainable business operations of our company. Over the past few years, we have already embarked on various ESG (Environment, Society and Governance) initiatives through our 4C corporate social responsibility pillars (Consumption, Conservation, Culture and Country). We also have implemented Best Brewery Awards to encourage our breweries to embed sustainability mindset which is consistent with SABECO’s vision and our commitment to National Green Growth objectives for the period 2021-2030”.
Mr. Brandon Chia, Managing Director, Sustainable Energy Solutions (Southeast Asia & Australia), SP Group, said, “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to facilitating the clean energy transition of our customers by advancing the adoption of renewable energy sources for manufacturing facilities. Leveraging our comprehensive range of sustainable energy solution, we look forward to support SABECO towards their energy efficiency goals and co-creating a more sustainable future for Vietnam.”
To maximise the solar energy generated and consumed at SABECO’s breweries, both SP and SABECO will study the feasibility incorporating energy storage systems (ESS) at selected breweries. The incorporation of ESS will allow SABECO to manage the issue of supply intermittency, as solar power can fluctuate due to weather conditions.
Apart from energy usage, SABECO has implemented various other initiatives to mitigate environmental impact. This includes driving continuous improvement in water usage where SABECO has reduced waste used per litre of beer produced from 5 litres in 2018 to below 3 litres in 2022. In addition to these, SABECO has embarked on plant-based biomass fuel (e.g., rice hulls, sawdust, cashew shell and leaves) usage instead of using fossil fuel-powered boiler, applying the CIP wastewater treatment system; using sustainable packaging (down gauged our cans, light weighted our carton boxes and bottles) and reusing beer glasses and cans, etc.
.jpg)
SABECO and SP Group signed a MoU to formalize a partnership to expand the 2nd phase of Rooftop Solar energy system installation and operation at 9 Bia Saigon Breweries
SABECO also promotes other sustainability initiatives which focuses on surrounding local communities where it operates. One recent project “Light up the Rural” which is part of the 3 years strategic partnership between SABECO and the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union , has constructed 34km of street lighting that uses solar power in 34 rural areas in 34 provinces across the country. This imitative aims to improved local socio-economic infrastructure by promoting the use of renewable energy and bringing a sustainable and safe environment to more than 210,000 beneficiary households. Project will be expanded in 2023 with more than 39Km solar street lights expected to be installed.
About SABECO
Ever since its founding 148 years ago, SABECO has grown in the beverage industry and established itself as one of Vietnam’s leading corporations.
SABECO’s national system consists of 26 breweries, 11 member trading companies and a network of hundreds of thousands of selling points across the country. SABECO takes pride in a portfolio of beer brands that are beloved by the people of Vietnam, which includes Bia Lac Viet, Bia Saigon Chill, Bia 333, Bia Saigon Special, Bia Saigon Export, Bia Saigon Lager and Bia Saigon Gold.
Our symbolic brands, Bia Saigon and Bia 333, have high quality standards which are certified by reputable domestic and international organizations. Bia Saigon has for many years been voted as a National Brand of Vietnam. Most recently, it won the 2022 Asian Beer Championship, received the gold medal at the 2019 International Beer Award (IBA), the Gold, Silver and Bronze prizes at the 2019 International Beer Cup (IBC), the Gold and Silver prizes at the 2020 Australian International Beer Award (AIBA) and the Gold and Silver prizes at the 2021 Monde Selection.
With a commitment to jointly promoting business investment and sustainable development, SABECO has always strived to create positive changes that will raise the stature of Vietnamese brands, while encouraging positive development for the community and for Vietnam. Accordingly, SABECO’s sustainable development model focuses on 4 pillars: Consumption - Conservation - Country – Culture.
For more information about SABECO, please visit: www.sabeco.com.vn
For press information, please contact: Ms. Dinh Nguyen Thi Huong – Corporate Communication Director of SABECO at huongdnt@sabeco.com.vn