As we see the uncertainty around energy prices and the drive to move to a more sustainable business model.
Over the years I have worked with breweries in many guises, from growing up a landlord’s son to running an events bar company, offering brewery insurance and finance. I have seen the industry grow from strength to strength, with changing tastes and styles. I believe energy costs is one of the biggest challenges to face the industry since covid. However, like canning was a solution to the challenge of covid, I believe that off grid energy is the solution to unstainable energy prices rises and will built a stainable future for the industry.
Businesses have lots of options to create energy from solar, wind, biomass boilers and even water turbines offering diverse power sources. Set ups are often bespoke with the system set to fit the building or climate. The ability to go off grid has been greatly increased by the reducing cost of infrastructural equipment, with cost reducing by about 80% over the last 10 years and the availability and cost of batteries. Solar and wind are the cheapest sources of power today. The gap between traditional energy and renewables continues to increase, meaning the payback on the cost of the system can be as little as 3 years.
The benefits of reducing or removing reliance on the grid will allow long term cost saving, increase green credentials, and allow you to be in control of your business.
Getting fully off grid is not always a practical option for all but even reducing your needs on gas and electric for heating the mash tun or the boil could be a big saving. We see more brewers discussing the options of cost savings without compromising quality. As well as looking to go off grid upgrading equipment to the most energy efficient can save energy.
Since covid more and more breweries have diversified to canning over cask, many opted for this to survive. However, the installation of canning machines while vital to business survival increased the energy usage, this again makes off grid solutions vital to business survival and growth.
With modern solar panel systems having an expected life span of 20-30 years and batteries 10 to 15 years respectively, it can help secure the future of brewing and make you more competitive in the future. Most lenders will fund the systems over 5-7 years giving you years of highly effective cost savings after the initial payments are cleared.
Today’s breweries can look to spread the cost of going green and reduce payments to energy suppliers. Ownership of the building is not always required with landlords keen to allow green solutions for the tenant.
I have always enjoyed discussing the benefits or pitfalls of off griding and would be interested to discuss with people doing or considering projects.