Pernod Ricard Winemakers has become the first major wine company in Australia to source all of its electricity from 100 per cent renewable energy.
Around 10,300 solar panels have been installed across Pernod Ricard’s two Barossa Valley wineries by energy company AGL, which has a predicted annual generation of 4000 megawatt-hours.
Last year, the first 1MW stage of the company’s 2.8MW solar installation was launched at its Rowland Flat winery. The company also became the first South Australian winery to be connected to offsite wind and solar farms, following its signing of a 10-year Virtual Feneration Agreement with wholesale electricity retailer Flow Power.
Pernod Ricard Winemaker’s COO Brett McKinnon said being sustainable and responsible is an important part of the business, particularly as producers of wine, which is product taking its character from the land where it is grown.
“We want to minimise our impact on the communities where we operate, responding to the local climate and preserving the environment for future generations to come,” said McKinnon.
“Our journey began in 2016 with a pilot solar installation after we recognised that we had a huge opportunity across our wineries to harness the power of the sun through solar panels.
“Three years later, we are exceptionally proud to say that we are now sourcing all electricity from renewable sources, in alignment with our global ambition.”
Pernod Ricard is a French-based company, with its major Australian wine brands including Jacob’s Creek, Stoneleigh and St Hugo.
Pernod Ricard ranked #39 in the Food & Drink Business Australia's Top 100 Food & Drink Companies 2019 report.
