AB InBev is taking further steps towards a greener brewing environment with the commissioning of its new biomass processor at its Jupiler brewery in Jupille.
New, green and better
AB InBev is installing a new, state-of-the-art biomass processor at its brewery in Jupille. The biomass processor processes malt husks, which remain after the brewing process, into thermal energy that then heats the brews. Thanks to this innovation, the Jupiler brewery significantly reduces its energy and natural gas consumption and makes the brewery less dependent on fossil energy sources. The brewer is investing 2,6 million euros in this biomass processor. This investment follows a recent investment of 3,8 million euros for the installation for separating the malt and its husks.
Tim Moerman, sustainability director at AB InBev adds: “We are very proud of this innovation that has a significant CO2reduction and support our broader decarbonization strategy. We expect to process approximately 3.500 tons of malt husks into renewable energy every year in our Jupiler brewery. In concrete terms, the biomass processor produces approximately 15.000 MWh of thermal energy or steam per year. This corresponds to a saving of more than 15% in our gas consumption, or 2.785 tons of CO2, the equivalent of the energy consumption of 1.000 households.”
Sustainability goals
This innovation fits within AB InBev's broader sustainability goals of 2025% less CO worldwide by 252 emissions compared to 2017. And follows an earlier announcement by the brewer that they have been working with 100% renewable electricity in all their European breweries since last year. On a European level, AB InBev wants to be Net Zero by 2028 for the five largest European breweries – including the brewery in Jupille and also the brewery in Leuven in Belgium. This ambition will require significant efforts, and the biomass processor in Jupille is an important part of it.
The implementation of this innovation also has an impact on the brewer's green logistics. Since the malt husks are recycled into biogas in the brewery, fewer trucks leave the brewery. Previously, the malt husks were collected by external companies for recycling.
Increased quality of beer draught
In addition to reducing energy and gas use, the biomass processor also ensures an increased quality of the beer dregs that are later valorized for livestock feed companies. By removing the malt husks from the beer marc, it contains more proteins.
Source: AB Inbev
