British American Tobacco (BAT) has made a notable advance in its renewable energy initiatives by tripling its solar power consumption in 2023.

This move is a crucial part of the company’s strategy. It aims to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact.

The tobacco industry, in particular, faces growing scrutiny over its environmental practices.

BAT’s solar energy usage surged to 1,271 megawatt hours (MWh) this year, a significant jump from 474 MWh in 2022.

This increase highlights the company’s commitment to transitioning toward cleaner energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.

Solar energy now constitutes 6.6% of BAT’s total energy consumption of 19,254 MWh, a marked rise from just 1.8% the previous year.

Over the past two years, BAT has invested around KSh 145 million to expand its solar energy capacity.

The investment includes the rollout of the second phase of its solar energy installation, which boosted on-site generated electricity from 300 kWp to 550 kWp.

Additionally, BAT has commissioned a new 1 MWp solar project, raising its total on-site electricity generation capacity to 1,400 kWp.

The company has also implemented a 25 kW solar hybrid system to support its office operations, further diversifying its renewable energy sources.

These renewable energy efforts align with BAT’s global sustainability objectives, particularly its Low-Carbon Transition Plan.

The company has set ambitious targets to halve its absolute greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

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By ramping up its solar energy usage, BAT is taking concrete steps towards these targets and reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

The tripling of solar energy usage is expected to yield substantial environmental benefits, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, the shift towards renewable energy is anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and generate cost savings for the company.

However, the transition to solar energy also presents challenges, especially concerning its impact on biodiversity.

BAT will need to ensure that its site selection and planning processes are sustainable, minimizing any potential adverse effects on local ecosystems.

BAT’s move to significantly increase its solar energy usage positions it as a leader in sustainability within the tobacco industry.

The company’s proactive stance sets a new benchmark, encouraging other major manufacturers, such as Safaricom and East African Breweries, who are also exploring renewable energy solutions, to follow suit.

This commitment to tripling solar energy use represents a significant milestone in BAT’s sustainability journey.

The initiative not only demonstrates the company’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact but also sets a strong example for others in the tobacco industry.

BAT is prioritizing renewable energy. This move paves the way for a more sustainable future.

It shows that even industries with significant environmental footprints can take meaningful action toward sustainability.