Credit: Maison Ferrand
A million-dollar solar energy plant is currently being installed at the West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD) is making the investment at its Brighton, St. Michael home with the ultimate goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
“We are constantly researching innovative opportunities to further improve sustainable and socially responsible business practices. We also have new and ambitious environmental goals and we are looking at innovative systems in order to stop the use of fossil fuels altogether and to reduce our total energy usage,” said Andrew Hassell, Managing Director, WIRD.
WIRD’s new solar plant is expected to generate an output of more than 400 kilowatts and is estimated to produce 747,000 KWH in the first year of operation which will provide for at least 20% of the electrical consumption of the distillery – or the equivalent of 100 local households.
WIRD has also retained a renewable energy consultant with thirty years’ experience in the field to study, establish and transform the distillery into a carbon neutral operation within the next ten years.
“This solar plant is the cornerstone of our green initiatives. Williams Solar of Williams Industries is the company responsible for phase one of this project. The roof structure first had to be replaced, and then the roof sheets had to be replaced. The Williams Solar team are in the process of installing the solar panels.” added Michael Marshall, engineering manager, WIRD.