Pernod Ricard Winemakers plans move to green energy in Australia

Pernod Ricard Winemakers has committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity in Australia by mid-2019.

The announcement comes as the Pernod Ricard subsidiary celebrates the ‘switch-on’ of its 1 MW of solar-generated electricity at its Barossa Valley Winery, marking the first completed stage of the company’s 2.8 MW solar installation project.

When completed in mid-2019, the project will supply 20% of the business’s annual electricity usage. Working with AGL Energy, the solar installation is expected to generate around 4,000 MWh of renewable electricity in the first year.

To reach 100% renewable electricity, Pernod Ricard Winemakers has signed a ten-year Virtual Generation Agreement with wholesale electricity retailer Flow Power, to connect the business with renewable electricity sources. 

This means the remaining 80% of the division’s annual electricity requirement will be met by solar and wind for the next ten years though Flow Power.

The commitment to its own solar project combined with the VGA will allow Pernod Ricard Winemakers Australia to achieve its ambition to source 100% renewable electricity ahead of its original plans. 

Helen Strachan, Pernod Ricard Winemakers legal and corporate affairs director, said: “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.

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

Brendan Weinert, AGL manager of business solutions, said: “AGL is excited to partner with Pernod Ricard Winemakers in delivering a sustainable energy solution to its iconic Australian brand, based in the Barossa Valley.”

David Evans, Flow Power 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.”

Pernod Ricard Winemakers is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard. Its brands include Jacob’s Creek, Campo Viejo and Kenwood Vineyards.