AB InBev Plans Breakthrough Innovation Based on HELIOVIS’ Next Generation Solar Thermal Technology at its Namibian Brewery

Using HELIOVIS’ sustainable technology, the Belgian brewer aims to save about 700 tons of CO₂ emissions per year.  

Solar thermal technology will be used for the first time within AB InBev.  

 

AB InBev will invest 3.2 million euros over the next few years to make its brewery in Okahandja, Namibia, more energy efficient. Together with Austrian solar thermal technology specialist HELIOVIS and Belgian engineering company John Cockerill, AB InBev will install a highly innovative solar thermal system at the Okahandja brewery in Namibia, which is expected to reduce the brewery’s reliance on traditional energy sources and save over 700 tons of CO₂ per year. 

More sustainable brewing with solar thermal technology  

AB InBev, HELIOVIS, and John Cockerill will jointly install a solar thermal system at the Okahandja brewery, consisting of two HELIOtubes® coupled to a steam generator. The HELIOtube® is an inflatable collector, designed to concentrate solar radiation and convert it to thermal energy. The collected energy is then used to generate steam for the brewing process, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With this project, AB InBev is taking another step toward its ambition of achieving Net Zero across its entire value chain by 2040.

GITEC, AB InBev’s global innovation center based in Leuven, Belgium, found this key solution for the brewery in Namibia at HELIOVIS. The project in Namibia also receives support from the Flemish Government’s Climate Action Program, which focuses on climate projects in developing countries.

Tim Moerman, ESG & Sustainability Director at AB InBev: “The sun shines on average almost 10 hours a day in Namibia, so it was natural for us to invest in solar technology. Our partner HELIOVIS is a pioneer with its HELIOtube®, and we are immensely proud to introduce this innovation in Namibia. It will be the first time this technology is used within AB InBev.”

Caspar von Moy, CCO of HELIOVIS added: “Industrial process heat accounts for about 25% of global energy demand, the vast majority of which is currently supplied by fossil fuels. Decarbonizing this huge sector is critical if we are to achieve global climate goals. With the project in Namibia, HELIOVIS aims to demonstrate its zero-emission solar thermal technology in the Food & Beverage Industry. We are excited to be working towards this goal with such strong partners as AB InBev and John Cockerill.”