Iberdrola España has entered into a power purchase agreement to supply renewable energy to major fast food chain Burger King’s restaurants across Spain. With this, the Spanish energy utility will provide 1,500 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of photovoltaic energy from the Francisco Pizarro plant, located in Cáceres, to more than 750 Burger King outlets.
This initiative marks a substantial step towards Burger King’s objective to source 100% of its energy needs from renewable resources.
The Francisco Pizarro photovoltaic plant, which boasts an installed capacity of 553 MW, is set to cover the annual energy requirements of the restaurant chain. Notably, 75 MW of the plant’s capacity will be allocated specifically to fulfill the energy demands of Burger King.
This partnership is projected to significantly reduce carbon emissions by avoiding the release of 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually, equivalent to the energy consumption of 334,400 households.
David Martínez, director of customer business at Iberdrola España, emphasized the transformative potential of renewable energy in providing affordable, stable, and sustainable energy solutions.
“With this agreement, both companies endorse our commitment to a cleaner and smarter future,” he said in a statement. “Renewables have proven their ability to supply energy at affordable and stable prices and long-term PPAs have become a useful tool for managing the electricity supply of large consumers committed to green and sustainable consumption.
“Such long-term agreements are increasingly important to enable progress in decarbonisation and sustainability of the economy.”
Burger King: A step towards 100% renewable energy
Moreover, this collaboration extends beyond energy provision. Iberdrola and Burger King are exploring further opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and bolster their commitment to environmental sustainability.
This includes the management of 154 charging points for electric vehicles, located at 135 Burger King facilities throughout Spain. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to promote clean energy and support the transition to a more sustainable business model.
Luis Hérault, CEO of Restaurant Brands Iberia, which manages the Burger King franchise in Spain and Portugal, expressed pride in this initiative that strengthens their commitment to green energy.
“This is an initiative that adds value to our commitment to the use of green energy, to make our business model even more energy efficient,” he said. “Iberdrola is undoubtedly the outstanding partner with which to work hand in hand to achieve this goal, as we have been working together for three years, with magnificent results.”
This energy agreement aligns with the broader Sustainability Master Plan 2023-2026 of Restaurant Brands Iberia, which outlines over 50 initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. These include transitioning to electric vehicles for home deliveries, installing solar panels at over 250 restaurants, and a comprehensive net zero plan targeting zero emissions by 2050.
