A changing climate, and a changing approach to brewing in Sussex
In the rolling hills and quaint villages of Sussex, micro-breweries are becoming more than just local watering holes; they are emerging as pioneers of sustainability. Craft beer has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with micro-breweries playing a significant role in this booming industry.
However, brewing beer is a resource- and energy-intensive process. As all sectors of the economy experience a rising demand for environmentally friendly operations, breweries are turning to solar power to reduce their carbon footprint and cut energy costs.
This shift not only aligns with the UK’s sustainability goals but also offers significant financial benefits for small-scale brewers. As sustainability becomes a focal point for many businesses, micro-breweries in Sussex are perfectly poised to lead the way by adopting solar power. Here’s why switching to solar energy could revolutionise the brewing industry in Sussex.
The energy-intensive brewing process
Brewing beer is undeniably energy-intensive, with significant electricity consumption at every stage of production. According to the Brewers Journal, it takes 55-66 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy to produce one barrel of beer. For a microbrewery producing 15,000 barrels per year, that equates to 825,000kWh of energy per year, resulting in electricity bills that run into the tens of thousands of pounds. This high energy demand presents a substantial opportunity for cost savings through the adoption of solar power.
Solar power can deliver significant cost savings for brewers
The potential financial benefits for brewers wanting to switch to solar power are compelling.
Installing an on-site solar power system can drastically reduce electricity bills, allowing breweries to allocate savings to other areas of their business. For instance, a microbrewery with an appropriately sized solar power system could save hundreds of thousands of pounds over the system’s 25.
Savings can be further enhanced through the introduction of battery storage, which can empower solar generators to store excess electricity for use at a later time. Battery storage can also enable breweries to participate in electricity grid flexibility services, ushering in potential new revenue streams.
Solar panels can enhancing the sustainability credentials of your beer
Beyond financial savings, solar power aligns with a growing consumer demand for sustainability. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, micro-breweries can significantly lower their carbon footprint and demonstrate leadership on the climate crisis.
The example of One Planet Brewing Co. in Surrey highlights the potential of solar power in brewing. By using home-grown hops and solar panels, they aim to produce beers with a minimal environmental impact. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2030, significantly ahead of the industry’s general timeline. This kind of leadership not only enhances the brewery’s brand image but also resonates with an increasingly eco-conscious consumer base.
Economic and technological feasibility of solar PV for breweries
Economic feasibility is a critical consideration for microbreweries contemplating solar power.
The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly in recent years, declining by 90% between 2011 to 2020.
Moreover, innovative business models such as BHESCo’s ‘Energy-as-a-Service’ agreement requires no initial investment from the brewery. The upfront project costs are paid for by BHESCo’s network of community investors who want to use their money to support the UK’s transition to clean energy.
By leveraging the power of social impact investing we can support breweries to overcome the financial barriers of decarbonisation and to reap the benefits of solar power with no upfront costs .
Examples of solar powered breweries in the UK and Europe
In the UK, the One Planet Brewing Co’s pioneering use of solar power sets an inspiring example. By brewing beer using only solar energy, they are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also leading the charge in sustainable brewing practices . Their success underscores the potential for Sussex microbreweries to adopt similar strategies and join the growing movement towards renewable energy.
In Europe, the Carlsberg brewery in Lithuania has adopted an innovative ‘Energy-as-a-Service’ model, partnering with Green Genius to implement photovoltaic-plus-storage systems at no initial cost. This project is set to produce approximately 7,442 MWh of electricity annually, avoiding significant CO2 emissions and enhancing the brewery’s sustainability profile.
Several breweries around the world have successfully integrated solar power into their operations, providing valuable case studies for Sussex microbreweries. The Alchemist in Vermont, for example, utilises three separate solar arrays to cover a significant portion of its electricity needs, including a solar canopy over its car park.
Such examples highlight the versatility and scalability of solar power solutions, offering a blueprint for Sussex breweries to follow.
Sharing solar power with other businesses in an industrial estate
Most microbreweries are located on an industrial estate or business park, which means it is likely that your brewery shares a roof with neighbouring businesses.
If you were interested in exploring the potential for onsite solar power, then it could be worth discussing plans with other businesses to bring them into the project.
By sharing one large solar array with other small businesses within your industrial park you can drive down the initial cost of the solar panels as a larger system will benefit from economies of scale.
You may be able to sell excess electricity directly to your neighbours, securing a better price for export than you would get from selling to an energy supplier.
Final thoughts - why solar power for breweries is a wise decision
As Sussex’s microbreweries embrace solar power, they not only contribute to a greener planet but also set themselves apart as leaders in sustainability. The transition to renewable energy not only drives down long-term energy costs and environmental impact, but it also enhances brand reputation and increases appeal to a growing market of eco-conscious consumers.
Embracing solar power presents a transformative opportunity for micro-breweries in Sussex. The financial savings, environmental benefits, and enhanced brand exposure make a compelling case for this sustainable energy solution. By looking to successful examples both locally and globally, Sussex micro-breweries can chart a path toward a greener, more sustainable future, one solar-powered pint at a time.
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