Astatine Ltd & Wicklow Wolf Brewery have partnered to create the first Solar Powered Craft Brewery in the Republic of Ireland
Covering the entirety of the 17,000 sq. ft brewery roof, Wicklow Wolf have become the first Solar Powered Craft Brewery in the Republic of Ireland. Producing 107,000kWh per year, the new panels will result in a 30% reduction in electricity usage and save approximately 30 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
Simon Lynch and Quincey Fennelly are the passionate founders behind Wicklow Wolf Brewery and they have a very simple mission for their independent business…
“To brew exceptional beers without compromise and with true passion. To be at one with nature, brewing beer in a sustainable way.”
Simon Lynch and Quincey Fennelly from Wicklow Wolf (Photo courtesy of the Irish Times)
That mission was the foundation for the partnership with Astatine Ltd, who commenced work with this independent brewery in Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co. Wicklow in 2020, with the of the installation of over 120 kW of solar panels at the brewery site.
Quincy Fennelly was determined to take his business forward on the sustainability journey.
“We asked Astatine Ltd to come in and help us on to the next stage on our carbon elimination process over the coming years. We do everything with nature. We need that to be reflected in our operations and in our business and we knew that Astatine could help us to do that.”
Simon Lynch and Quincey Fennelly and Tom Marren from Astatine
Astatine’s CEO Tom Marren said that there was something special about this project.
“It was a fabulous journey for us to take with this client. The Wicklow Wolf Team are passionately committed to creating a more sustainable future and are excited to pave the way for other Irish Craft breweries in Ireland.”
Quincey is delighted with this progress and determined to keep the brand at the forefront of sustainability;
Quicey Fennelly: Sustainability is part of everything we do
“Since we moved into our new brewery here in Newtownmountkennedy in 2019, we have been committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity. This step in the right direction is a great leap forward for us on this journey. Sustainability is at our core, so to be making a positive impact and setting an example of what can be achieved is very important to us here”.
The sentiment was echoed by Fellow founder and Head of Sustainability at Wicklow Wolf, Simon Lynch;
“The average fully grown tree can offset 21 kg of CO2 per year, so 30 tonnes of CO2 reduction is the equivalent of having 1,428 adult trees planted in terms of carbon offset. We have worked tirelessly to get to this point and while it hasn’t been without its challenges, the benefits to both the business and our community are clear.”
Everything Wicklow Wolf were already doing was in harmony with nature.They wanted to work with the best technology to help them brew their beer in the most sustainable way, but being environmentally efficient meant everything.
According to Quincy;
“People can drink our beer in pubs, restaurants or in their own homes, knowing that it has been produced with nature, the most sustainable way possible. With the help of Solar Panel providers, Astatine, this step on our sustainability journey is the latest commitment toward creating exceptional beers as sustainably as possible.
Wicklow Wolf beers enjoy solar powered action
Reducing our energy costs and working towards energy independence is more important today that ever before. For more information on Astatine projects, or to find out how we can help your business to cut costs and CO2 emissions, contact us today.
