This is after the successful installation of a rooftop solar PV system at the Peterborough brewery by solar developer Electron Green.
The beer, named Sun City, is a 3.7% blonde ale made with Nelson Sauvin and Nectaron hops from New Zealand and will be available on cask from August.
“This is a huge step in making Oakham Ales more sustainable,” said former head brewer Mark Tetlow, who completed the project before going into retirement.
“We’re delighted to welcome the Electron Green team along to celebrate the installation’s completion by helping us brew Sun City – our first Solar Blonde.”
Oakham Ales, which was referred to Electron Green by energy consultancy partner CUB UK Ltd, had previously struggled with the adoption of solar power because of its ageing roof.
However, Electron Green’s model solved this challenge by delivering a full steel overclad roof and solar system at no cost to Oakham Ales. Instead, the firm will own and manage the system and supply the brewery with discounted, fixed-rate solar electricity via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
The 458.85 kWp solar array was completed in the spring and covers 2,084 square meters of the upgraded roof with more than 1,000 PV panels.
The installation is expected to reduce Oakham Ales’ reliance on grid electricity by 15%, delivering first year savings of nearly £11,000. The system will also prevent over 2,200 tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifespan.
“Providing a free solar system with ongoing management to Oakham Ales has allowed it to cut its carbon footprint and energy costs in one glorious swoop,” said Daniel Green, CEO and co-founder of Electron Green.
“We’re here to provide businesses with flexibility in how they manage and pay for electricity. As energy demands are expected to rise by 50% over the next decade, businesses need confidence in their energy supply and greater control over their costs.”
New head brewer at Oakham Ales, Ed Sharman, praised Electron Green for its work.
“They managed the whole project with no disruption to our brewing schedule over the spring,” Sharman said.
“It’s great that our business has upgraded its environmental credentials so massively without us having to offer a penny in capital expenditure and we’re all looking forward to raising a glass of Sun City in celebration.”
