Energy transition in breweries and dairies

18.02.2026

Source: Institute for Energy Technology IfE GmbH

The successful three-year collaboration of the energy efficiency network "Energy efficiency in Bavarian breweries and dairies" came to an end on February 4, 2026 with a practical final meeting at the Riedenburger Brauhaus brewery.

The 10th network meeting was hosted by Riedenburger Brauhaus, which is currently realizing an extensive new building and deliberately opened its construction site as a place of learning and exchange for the industry.

The network: three years of collaboration with a measurable effect

Since its launch in March 2023, the network moderated by Institut für Energietechnik (IfE) GmbH has connected a total of 17 companies from the brewing, dairy, malting and technology sectors. The cross-industry exchange between users, manufacturers and suppliers enabled an open dialog at eye level - with
nationwide resonance: In November 2025, the network was honored for its lighthouse effect at the IEEKN annual conference in Berlin. 100 energy and CO₂ saving measures were initiated as part of the network's work, 85 of them with directly measurable final energy savings. Around 16,000 MWh of energy and around 5,500 tons of CO₂ equivalents can be saved each year. Further
measures are currently still being implemented. A message of greeting from Bavaria's State Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Hubert Aiwanger, delivered by Dr. Rupert Pritzl, Deputy Head of the Energy Efficiency, Environmental and Climate Protection Department, acknowledged the importance of the network: "I am delighted: The great success of this "Breweries and Dairies" network speaks for itself! I fondly remember the founding on March 20, 2023 at the Gutmann Brewery in Titting. With this network, we are driving forward the operational transformation and the switch to renewable energies and improving the competitiveness and future viability of our companies. With funding from our Bavarian Energy Research Program, we are also supporting the Riedenburger Brauhaus' investment in the new production facility and modern taprooms at
, thereby further developing brewery technology for the future. I am very pleased with the great commitment of all those involved in continuing their network work and wish them continued success."

"With our Bavarian Energy Efficiency Network Initiative (BEEN-i), we are supporting our companies to jointly exploit their energy efficiency potential in networks. BEEN-i focuses on the exchange of experience at eye level and "learning from the best"; 10 company visits and many specialist presentations and discussions over the past three years are evidence of this. I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and the Institute for Energy Technology for moderating the network."

Riedenburger Brauhaus: New building as a demonstration project for fossil-free brewing processes

The central item on the program of the final meeting was the presentation of the new building project of the Riedenburger Brauhaus. Under the scientific supervision of IfE and together with numerous other project partners, one of the first completely decarbonized breweries in Germany is being built here. Future production will be consistently electrified and will operate entirely without fossil fuels. The new building not only serves the brewery's own transformation, but also deliberately serves as a demonstration and learning project for the entire food and beverage industry. The project is funded as part of the Bavarian Energy Research Programme and is an example of how climate-neutral production can also be achieved in energy-intensive companies.The plant, which is still under construction, offered the participants at the network meeting a real insight into the planning, implementation and challenges of such a
transformation project - right where it is happening.

IfE: Networks as the engine of the industrial energy transition

IfE has been supporting companies, local authorities and politicians in the implementation of energy efficiency and decarbonization strategies for many years. Energy efficiency networks such as this one combine scientific expertise with practical implementation and enable reliable results instead of theoretical targets.

"Networks like this show what is possible when companies learn from each other and break new ground together. The food and beverage industry can not only save energy, but also set new standards in terms of sustainability," says Thorsten Meierhofer, project manager at IfE

Continuation and expansion of successful network work

Due to its success, the network will be continued. The majority of previous participants have signaled their willingness to continue, and other companies from the industry have already expressed interest. The network is supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs,
Regional Development and Energy and the BEEN-i initiative.

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