Accolade Wines has entered a significant partnership with Origin Zero to install a substantial rooftop solar array at its Berri Estates facility. This collaboration aims to meet the facility's energy demands sustainably while reducing emissions. Origin Zero will manage the system, providing Accolade Wines with a cost-effective and green energy solution through a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
The Berri Estates facility, located approximately 240 kilometers east of Adelaide, will utilize over 40% of its roof space for solar energy production. The installation will feature a 2,440 kW system comprising around 4,800 solar panels, generating enough electricity to meet the annual needs of over 600 homes.
As one of the largest wine production facilities in the southern hemisphere, Berri Estates exports 100 million liters of wine globally each year. This substantial energy consumption makes the transition to solar power particularly impactful. The PPA with Origin Zero addresses the challenge of large upfront investment costs by allowing Origin Zero to own, operate, and maintain the solar system. In return, Accolade Wines will purchase the generated electricity at a predetermined rate.
Joe Russo, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Accolade Wines, emphasized the strategic benefits of integrating solar energy into their operations. "Utilizing solar power aligns with our goals of reducing grid dependency and mitigating exposure to fluctuating market prices. The Berri Estates solar installation is a significant step towards meeting our energy needs through on-site generation, reducing emissions, and supporting South Australia’s renewable energy growth," Russo stated. He also highlighted the financial advantages, noting anticipated savings over the agreement's duration.
Liam McWhirter, General Manager of Enterprise and Strategic Partners at Origin Zero, expressed pride in supporting Accolade Wines’ transition to cleaner energy. "Solar solutions are a logical choice for Accolade Wines, and we are pleased to facilitate their move towards more sustainable and cost-effective energy sources," McWhirter commented.
Accolade Wines is not alone in its shift towards renewable energy. Other Australian wineries are also adopting solar installations to enhance sustainability. For instance, in April 2024, Casella Family Brands completed an 8,900-panel, 5.7 MW solar farm at their Yenda facility in southern New South Wales. This installation is capable of generating up to 11.5 GWh of clean electricity annually. Similarly, Treasury Wines Estate in South Australia unveiled a significant solar project in July 2023. Their Barossa Winery now features a 2.6 MW solar array spread across rooftop and carport structures, utilizing nearly 6,000 solar panels.
The partnership between Accolade Wines and Origin Zero represents a significant move towards sustainable energy within the wine industry. By investing in solar power, Accolade Wines not only reduces its environmental footprint but also secures long-term financial benefits. This initiative, along with similar projects by other wineries, underscores the growing trend of renewable energy adoption in the sector.