Jack Daniel’s Distillery expects to get 70% of its power needs from a solar facility just a few miles from the Lynchburg, Tenn., distillery. The facility will be built, owned and operated by Silicon Ranch, an affiliate of Royal Dutch Shell plc.
Jack Daniel’s approached TVA, the electric utility in the region, last fall regarding renewable energy opportunities to support its sustainable energy goals. TVA, in turn, contracted with Silicon Ranch.
“Our commitment to making great whiskey is only matched by our commitment to preserving the world we call home through sustainable practices,” said Jack Daniel’s Vice President and Assistant General Manager Melvin Keebler. “We’re excited to be the first distillery to sign a Green Invest deal that will provide nearly three-quarters of our electricity needs. Now the world’s most iconic whiskey is even greener.”
Jack Daniel’s runs its distillery with a zero-waste to landfill policy and has programs to protect the water and wood used to make its whiskey.
“This announcement demonstrates the environmental leadership of Jack Daniel’s and Duck River, fueled by our shared long-term commitment to renewable energy and community engagement,” said Chris Hansen, TVA vice president, Origination and Renewables. Duck River is one of 153 local power companies who buy power from TVA and resell it.