Australian beverage producer installs largest solar farm.
An Australian winemaker, Casella Family Brands, renowned for its Yellow Tail wines, has announced a significant investment of $10 million in solar electricity. This investment is set to power nearly one third of its largest winery, equivalent to the energy needs of approximately 1900 houses.
The unveiling of this renewable energy project marks the largest solar installation by an Australian beverage producer to date. The solar farm, comprising over 8700 panels, is situated near the wine-making facility in Yenda, within NSW’s Riverina region.
Commitment to Sustainability
Months after Wine Australia introduced an environmental plan for the industry, aiming to reduce emissions by 42 per cent by 2030, Casella Family Brands made their solar energy investment public. The newly established solar farm, located just 3.5km from the winery, has the capacity to generate 11.53 gigawatt hours of energy annually, meeting 35 per cent of the winery’s power requirements.
Furthermore, the 8730 solar panels will also power the on-site brewery responsible for producing beverages under brands like Pressman’s Cider and Yenda Brewing Co. Additionally, a second solar installation, comprising 936 panels, will provide 30 per cent of the energy needed for the company’s wastewater treatment plant.
Environmental Goals
John Casella, the founder and managing director of Casella Family Brands, expressed that this solar investment aligns with the company’s objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. He emphasised the company’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the Australian wine industry for future generations.
Wine Australia’s Emissions Reduction Roadmap, released in September, outlines strategies to reduce emissions across vineyards, wineries, and supply chains. These strategies include solar energy generation, purchasing renewable energy, transitioning to electric irrigation systems, adopting lightweight bottles, and minimising emissions from road transport and shipping.
Industry Recognition
Martin Cole, the chief executive of Wine Australia, commended Casella’s substantial solar energy initiative as a testament to the industry’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges. He highlighted the significance of this investment for Casella and the Riverina region, underscoring its contribution to safeguarding the future of the Australian wine sector.
Source: AAP
