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Castle & Key Distillery invests $2m in solar energy
Kentucky distillery Castle & Key has completed the first stage in a US$2 million renewable energy project focused on solar power.
Castle & Key Distillery has finished phase one of a major solar energy project, harnessing solar power across more than an acre of space. The US$2 million investment was supported by the Rural Energy for America Program grant, a federal initiative aimed at helping rural small businesses transition to renewable energy sources.
“At Castle & Key, sustainability is woven into every part of our production process,” co-founder Will Arvin said.
“Our solar energy investment is one of the latest steps we’re taking to reduce our environmental impact, and we are working against a 30-year planning process. This initiative reduces the distillery’s carbon footprint, lowers energy costs, and reinforces our commitment to responsible innovation.”
The new solar energy system is installed at Castle & Key’s Versailles warehouse in Woodford County, Kentucky, and will support a significant portion of the distillery’s energy needs.
The first phase of the project covers 20,950 square feet and features 754 solar panels, generating 407.16 kW DC and 400 kW AC. The entire system will span 63,350 square feet, generating 960kW AC.
“Every drop of Castle & Key whiskey is crafted with care for the land and this is the largest solar project at a distillery in Woodford County,” engineering and maintenance manager Charles Crume added.
“Currently we are using 25% of the total solar production capacity. The remaining excess power is sold back to Kentucky Utilities as a green power source for the community to power homes, businesses and facilities. This will equate to 270-350 homes in the community based on average power usage.”
Phase two is anticipated to begin in spring 2025 and will include the instalment of more solar panels and ongoing work with Walnut Grove Farms, Saverglass, Malteurop North America, Speyside Cooperage, and Eurostampa.
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