Pernod Ricard Winemakers commits to 100% renewable energy

Pernod Ricard Winemakers has committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity in Australia by mid-2019, while at the same time celebrating the official ‘switch-on’ of 1 MW of solar-generated electricity at its Barossa Valley winery — the first completed stage of the company’s 2.8 MW solar installation project.

When completed in mid-2019, this is expected to be the largest combined winery solar installation in Australia and will supply 20% of the business’s annual electricity usage. Working with AGL Energy, the solar installation should generate around 4000 MWh of renewable electricity in the first year, which is equivalent to the electricity consumed annually in approximately 800 South Australian homes.

To reach 100% renewable electricity, Pernod Ricard Winemakers has signed a 10-year virtual generation agreement (VGA) with wholesale electricity retailer Flow Power, to connect the business with renewable electricity sources including offsite wind and solar farms. This means the remaining 80% of the business’s annual electricity requirement will be met by solar and wind for the next 10 years through Flow Power.

“We are doing everything within our means to draw upon renewable energy, both in terms of our own renewable electricity sources at our winery and our commitment to supporting the renewable energy industry,” said Helen Strachan, Pernod Ricard Winemakers’ Legal and Corporate Affairs Director.

“We are excited to be leaders in defining the future of sustainable business in a rapidly changing environment.”

David Evans, Flow Power’s Director Commercial and Engineering, added, “Flow Power is excited that Pernod Ricard Winemakers will be our first South Australian hybrid power purchase agreement. By matching both solar and wind power purchase agreements, Pernod Ricard Winemakers receives a cost-effective means to get to 100% renewables.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Brent Hofacker

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