PepsiCo UK has announced a £3.6 million investment in a rooftop solar installation at its Southern Region Distribution Centre (SRDC) in Leicester. The project is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to meet the site’s annual energy needs once fully operational.

The installation will be delivered in partnership with energy infrastructure specialist Ineco Energy. Solar panels will be fitted across 30,000 square metres of roof space, an area comparable to around four football pitches.

The system will have a capacity of 3.56 MWp and is projected to generate approximately 2.84 GWh of electricity each year. This output is equivalent to the annual power consumption of around 1,000 UK homes and is expected to reduce the site’s reliance on grid electricity.

Any excess electricity generated by the system will be used at the adjacent Walkers crisps manufacturing plant. The Leicester site is home to one of the largest crisp factories in the world, forming a key part of PepsiCo’s UK production network.

The investment forms part of a broader programme of energy and efficiency upgrades across PepsiCo’s UK operations. Previous measures include the introduction of electric ovens in Leicester, more efficient manufacturing equipment in Coventry, and upgraded fryers at the company’s Brigg facility.

Together, these initiatives have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by around 2,400 tonnes annually. The company has not disclosed the specific emissions savings expected from the Leicester solar installation.

The SRDC itself plays a central role in PepsiCo’s UK logistics network. The facility employs 240 people and distributes products from six manufacturing sites across the country.

The solar project follows a £14 million upgrade completed at the distribution centre in 2021. That investment introduced new logistics technologies and modernised infrastructure across the site.

Construction of the solar system is already underway, with completion scheduled for September 2026. Once operational, the installation is expected to supply the full annual electricity requirement of the distribution centre.

Andy Smethurst, UK Warehousing & Logistics Director at PepsiCo said: “Leicester is already home to one of the world’s largest crisp factories, and now we’re delivering one of the most complex solar power systems, right here in the East Midlands. It’s a major milestone for PepsiCo UK and shows how we’re continuing to find new ways to power our sites and operate more sustainably.”

The project aligns with wider efforts across UK industry to increase on-site renewable energy generation. Rooftop solar installations have become a common approach for large industrial and logistics facilities seeking to manage energy costs and reduce emissions.

Government policy has also placed increased emphasis on distributed energy systems as part of the UK’s energy transition. Businesses are being encouraged to adopt technologies that reduce pressure on the national grid while improving energy security.

Climate Minister Katie White said: “We welcome PepsiCo’s decision to embrace our rooftop solar revolution in powering their Walkers crisps distribution centre in Leicester – adding extra crunch to our clean energy mission.

“It’s a great example of how businesses in Britain can cut emissions, lower bills and strengthen our energy security.”

Ineco Energy, which is delivering the project, specialises in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure. The company has worked on a range of commercial solar installations across the UK.

Angus Rose, Director at Ineco Energy: “Ineco is incredibly proud to be delivering this flagship solar project for PepsiCo. Once operational, it will be one of the largest rooftop systems of its kind in the UK food manufacturing sector, generating the same amount of electricity that the SRDC uses in a full year.

This project has required a collaborative and highly technical approach, and we’re delighted to now be moving into the construction phase. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the PepsiCo team.”

Large rooftop solar systems are increasingly being deployed in the food and beverage sector, where energy demand is high and facilities often have extensive roof space. These installations can provide a consistent source of electricity, particularly when aligned with daytime operational demand.

The Leicester project reflects this trend, combining on-site generation with integration into nearby manufacturing operations. By using surplus electricity at the adjacent Walkers plant, the system extends its impact beyond a single facility.

PepsiCo has not confirmed whether similar solar projects will be rolled out at other UK sites. The company continues to invest in energy efficiency and electrification measures across its operations as part of its broader emissions reduction strategy.

The Leicester installation is expected to be one of the largest rooftop solar systems in the UK food manufacturing sector once completed. Its scale and integration into existing operations mark a continued shift toward decentralised energy solutions in industrial settings.