Australia’s largest winery solar installation is now in operation, following a commitment from Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) to transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity.
Following the commission 12 months ago, TWE unveiled the new solar installation at its Barossa Winery and Production Centre in South Australia on Tuesday 25 July. The switch-on of the new installation, which includes a carpark solar panel structure, will see a reduced environmental impact in the production of its wines, including the likes of Penfolds, Wynns, Squealing Pig and Pepperjack.
Featuring almost 6,000 solar panels, the landmark investment puts TWE, and its iconic portfolio of Australian wines, on track to meet the company’s target of using 100 per cent renewable electricity by the end of 2024.
It is expected that the new systems at the Barossa site will generate more than 5,500 megawatt-hours of electricity per year, the equivalent of powering 900 homes. Designed to address TWE’s goal to make wine sustainably, the system is part of a broader investment in the Australian wine industry to improve energy efficiency and support regional economies.
“Installing solar panels is the most significant contribution we can make to move closer to our ambition of net zero direct emissions,” commented Kerrin Petty, Chief Supply and Sustainability Officer for TWE.
“Unveiling the solar system here in the Barossa complements the other systems that are already operational, or scheduled to be completed in the coming year, at our sites in Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy and the US.”
The unveiling of the solar installation follows a $10 million commitment by TWE to research and development in no and low alcohol (NOLO) wine, with construction of a NOLO alcohol production facility underway at the Barossa site. Expected to be operational by 2024, the facility will include a three-stage continuous wine de-alcoholisation system.
As the company continues to invest in the growing NOLO category, its leading brand Pepperjack recently announced the launch of its new Mid-Strength Shiraz.