MGP: 100% of Our Electricity Will Come from Wind

The production of whiskey and other distilled spirits has a significant impact on the environment. Distilleries use a lot of water and energy, and generate a considerable amount of waste. Environmental sustainability is a constant challenge for producers.

MGP is a leading U.S. supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, best known by readers of this space for its whiskey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. MGP has embarked on a major renewable energy initiative, to source 100% of its electricity needs from renewable wind power, which is abundant in MGP's home state of Kansas.

“We are proud and excited to enter into this agreement, which represents a significant step in our efforts to realize both the direct and overarching benefits of renewable energy technologies,” says MGP President and CEO Gus Griffin. “Among these is our ability to take on a more prominent and proactive role in further supporting environmental sustainability through greater use of clean energy. This initiative is consistent with the long-term view we take for our business, and reflects our enduring commitment to our communities and social responsibility.”

The three-year agreement is with Westar Wind, a Green-e certified program offered by Westar Energy. As a result, total electric usage at MGP’s facilities in Atchison, Kansas, and Lawrenceburg, Indiana, will be offset by green energy provided by Westar’s wind resources in Kansas.

Under the agreement, which can be renewed at the end of three years, MGP will purchase renewable energy credits from Westar. Wind energy equal in value to the credits will then be sourced from wind farms in Kansas and added to the overall energy grid system. This arrangement makes MGP the largest Westar customer to commit to 100 percent renewable electric energy.

“Westar applauds MGP for its commitment to the environment and social responsibility,” Jeff Beasley, vice president, customer care, said. “It’s great to provide Kansas’ wind energy to help our customers reach their sustainability goals, even reaching beyond Kansas.”

As a Green-e certified program, Westar Wind is committed to delivering reliable, affordable, safe and clean energy to consumers. Green e Energy is the nation’s leading certification program for renewable energy. For nearly two decades, Green e Energy has provided oversight for voluntary renewable energy transactions in North America.