Coca-Cola HBC Embraces Hydrogen to Power Grid-Free Production in Northern Ireland
Coca-Cola HBC is taking a significant step toward sustainable manufacturing with the deployment of a hydrogen-powered Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit at its production facility in Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The move aims to eliminate the site’s reliance on the regional electricity grid, pushing the company closer to its net-zero commitments.
The hydrogen CHP system, developed in partnership with renewable energy specialists B9 Energy and hydrogas technology firm Hydrologiq, will act as a standalone energy solution. With installation due to begin in the second half of 2024, the unit will produce both electricity and heat entirely from green hydrogen, enabling the facility to operate independently while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
This development aligns with Coca-Cola HBC’s broader sustainability strategy. The company has pledged to reach net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040 and achieve 100% renewable electricity usage across all production plants by 2025. According to recent figures, Coca-Cola HBC already sources over 95% of its electricity from renewable sources.
The Lisburn plant is one of 29 facilities operated by Coca-Cola HBC across Europe and produces over 100 million litres of soft drinks annually. By integrating a hydrogen CHP system, the facility addresses both energy resilience and decarbonisation—two increasingly critical concerns for manufacturers facing tightening ESG regulations and volatile energy markets.
This pilot project is backed by funding from Phase 2 of the UK Government’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), which supports innovations that help accelerate low-carbon technologies. If successful, the initiative could set a precedent for broader adoption of hydrogen-powered solutions across FMCG manufacturing.
FMCG industry stakeholders will be watching closely, as this project may offer a scalable model for transitioning away from grid dependency without compromising operational capacity. The deployment demonstrates how legacy production sites can modernise infrastructure to support green energy goals, ensuring future compliance and long-term cost efficiency.