A new 160kW solar panel system has been installed at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, helping move the distillery towards its target of achieving net zero carbon emissions in its direct operations by 2030.
Installed on the roof of the Distillery Visitor Experience Centre and carpark, the solar panels are expected to help reduce electricity usage by about 260 megawatt hours a year, and save more than 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
For the remaining electricity needs of the site, it uses 100 per cent GreenPower from the National GreenPower Accreditation Program. In addition to utilising renewable energy, the distillery is also focused on reducing energy use.
Bundaberg Rum marketing and experience manager Duncan Littler said the addition of the solar panel system was a positive step to making operations more sustainable distillery.
“This is a plan that is underpinned by firm targets; it’s the equivalent of the electricity required to charge almost 25 million smartphones,” Littler said.
Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said that as the solar capital of Australia, Bundaberg had more than 15,600 households with solar panels installed across the region.
“Bundaberg residents and now our iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery continue to fly the flag for Bundy and this move will help drive down carbon emissions and greatly reduce the cost of electricity used at the distillery.
“The Bundaberg Rum Distillery has a proud history of innovation in the beverage and tourism sectors and now that innovation extends to sustainable energy generation,” said Smith.
