Jack Daniel's maker inks 30-MW wind PPA in Kansas

US spirits and wine maker Brown-Forman Corp (NYSE:BF.A) has agreed to buy the output of 30 MW at the 474-MW Solomon Forks Wind Project in Kansas, developed by Infinity Renewables.

With the 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA), Brown-Forman joins several other off-takers for the huge wind park, among which T-Mobile US Inc (NYSE:PCS) with a contract for 160 MW, and Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) with 100 MW.

The Jack Daniel's maker said on Tuesday the deal is in line with its environmental strategy set back in 2012. It aims to cut the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations by 15% by 2023.

Under the PPA, Brown-Forman will be keeping the renewable energy credits to offset emissions from its US facilities. The wind electricity, meanwhile, will be sold on the wholesale market. Schneider Electric’s Energy & Sustainability Services helped Brown-Forman to identify and evaluate options and arrange the contract.

The Solomon Forks wind park will be built near the city of Colby in northwestern Kansas. Construction is expected to start this year, with commercial operation targeted in 2019.

Brown-Forman, which has more than 25 brands in its portfolio of wines and spirits, said it is the first major US spirits and wine maker committing to a renewables PPA in the US.

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