Coca-Cola HBC switches to biomethane energy at Co Antrim site in NetZeroby40 drive

(L-R): Tom Burke, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director, Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager, Minister Andrew Muir MLA and Joanna Sneddon, Supply Chain Director.

Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland has announced it is switching to biomethane, a renewable energy source, to power its production facility in Lisburn, County Antrim.

The move was marked during a visit to the site by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir MLA, who toured the company’s newly upgraded Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant.

The facility is now powered by biomethane produced locally by Greenville Energy in Omagh, Co. Tyrone.

This development is a major step in Coca-Cola HBC Group’s NetZeroby40 strategy, the company’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040.

Renewable energy to power Lisburn production

By the end of 2025, biomethane is expected to supply up to 25% of the Lisburn site’s total energy demand. This energy will support essential operations, including electricity generation, steam production, chilled water systems, and the creation of food-grade CO₂.

Biomethane, produced from organic materials such as agricultural by-products, offers a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional fuels. Its integration at the Lisburn site will help reduce the company’s Scope 1 emissions—those generated directly by its manufacturing processes and vehicle operations.

Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA visited Coca-Cola HBC’s Knockmore Hill production facility in Lisburn to see the newly upgraded Combined Heat and Power plant, now powered by renewable biomethane.

Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager, Coca-Cola HBC, said:

“The introduction of biomethane at our production facility in Lisburn marks a significant milestone for our operations on the island of Ireland. It is an exciting venture that reflects our commitment to innovation and setting a new benchmark for the industry.

“This marks another significant milestone in our NetZeroby40 journey, which has gained strong momentum in recent years. In 2024, we transitioned to using 100% recycled plastic* across all our bottled products produced onsite—a major step forward in reducing our plastic use and waste.

“At our Knockmore Hill site, we continue to innovate with energy-efficient manufacturing practices, including advanced lighting systems, to help us meet our ambitious sustainability targets.

“We were pleased to highlight our new CHP plant to Minister Muir, reinforcing our commitment to leading the path in sustainable business, and the strides we have already made in green production.

“By partnering with a local supplier, we’re also proud to support circularity and contribute to a more sustainable, locally rooted energy future.”

Supporting Northern Ireland’s green transition

Minister Muir welcomed the announcement, praising Coca-Cola HBC’s leadership in adopting renewable energy:

“I warmly welcome the move towards biomethane at Coca-Cola HBC’s plant in Lisburn, businesses have an important role to play as we transition to a decarbonised, circular economy.

“There are clear benefits for companies and wider society from moving towards renewable energy sources, it’s vital Northern Ireland takes advantage of these opportunities and establish ourselves at the forefront of the green industrial revolution.

“Given the size of our agricultural sector, there is a huge opportunity to utilise our excess slurry and manure to generate bioenergy. In this way, we can be champions of climate action, whilst simultaneously tackling the water crisis and providing energy security.

"Working in partnership with our producers, we can deliver a more prosperous, greener society for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.”

The move is expected to strengthen both Coca-Cola HBC’s environmental credentials and Northern Ireland’s ambitions to harness renewable energy innovation.