Apr 26 2010
Rum provider Bacardi Corporation, a part of Bacardi Limited, has completed the installation of large wind turbines in Puerto Rico specially designed for harnessing wind energy to assist power a distillery of Bacardi near San Juan. Tourists who visit the Casa Bacardi Visitor Center can witness how wind energy is being used to power the center.
The two wind turbines installed by Bacardi Corporation are owned by Aspenall Energies having 250 kW capacities each. The turbines stand 137 ft, having 75 ft rotor diameter. As per the power purchase agreement, Aspenall Energies will sell the produced electrical energy to Bacardi Corporation.
Together the turbines are estimated to produce around 1 million kWh of electrical energy annually, which constitutes 3–7% of the energy used by Bacardi Corporation. The generated electrical energy will offset over 900 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The company also has plans to install additional wind solutions.
During the process of fermentation, CO2 is generated as an intermediate product, which is recovered and in turn sold to third party companies predominantly for carbonated beverages. During June 2008 to February 2009, Bacardi Corporation sold 10,378,251 pounds to 5,189 tons of carbon dioxide.
In order to save waster consumption at its Cataño facility, Bacardi Corporation treats waste water, thereby saving 22,000 gallons of water per day.
Some of the other environment-friendly approaches taken by the company at its Puerto Rico facility include dismantling old barrels and converting them into barrel chips to be used by employees in their gardens. The company also cuts and stitches old banners into shopping bags meant for employees.