#USA #Napa #Schneider Electric #Microgrid #Domaine Carneros

Domaine Carneros Leverages Schneider Electric Microgrid for Sustainable Wine Production

In the picturesque Napa Valley, Domaine Carneros has taken monumental steps towards sustainability by implementing a state-of-the-art microgrid technology from Schneider Electric. This transformation not only demonstrates the winery's commitment to environmental stewardship but also sets a benchmark for energy efficiency in the wine industry.

The Impact of the Microgrid

With the recent deployment of Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure™ Microgrid, Domaine Carneros is now able to self-generate between 70% and 80% of its energy requirements. This remarkable achievement has led to a noticeable reduction in carbon emissions, with the winery reportedly eliminating 375 metric tons of CO2 from its operations. This reduction is equivalent to the annual energy usage of about 50 homes. Furthermore, the winery has saved more than $70,000 annually in energy costs, a significant amount for any business.

The microgrid system operates by utilizing on-site energy sources, including solar panels and battery storage, which manage and store energy for various winery operations, such as fermentation, bottling, and tasting services. The implementation of this technology has doubled the winery's energy generation capacity compared to its previous setup that had been operational for over two decades.

Resilience Against Power Outages

Given the increasing frequency of Public Safety Power Shutoffs and extreme weather events in California, the resilience provided by the microgrid has been a critical asset for Domaine Carneros. Jana Gerber, North American President of Microgrids at Schneider Electric, emphasized that the microgrid enables the winery to maintain operations during outages by seamlessly switching to stored energy from the solar array, battery, or a backup generator when needed.

Remi Cohen, the CEO of Domaine Carneros, noted, “Our ability to craft the highest quality wines and create memorable experiences is dependent on a reliable and efficient source of energy.” The microgrid not only supports continuous operations but also fortifies the winery against the growing challenges posed by climate change.

AI-driven Energy Management

Domaine Carneros employs Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure™ Microgrid Advisor, an AI-powered software platform that constantly analyzes energy production and demand in real time. This intelligent system uses various pricing models, time-of-use rates, and demand charges to optimize energy usage, ensuring the winery benefits economically while operating sustainably.

The solar panels on-site have been particularly effective, producing 740MWh of energy in the past year, which translates to removing 110 cars off the road for a year or conserving nearly 60,000 gallons of gasoline. Additionally, the winery has also integrated four solar-powered EV charging stations for guests, showcasing its commitment to sustainability in all aspects of its business.

Recognition and Future Goals

Due to these outstanding achievements in sustainability and energy management, Domaine Carneros has been recognized as an “Impact Maker” by Schneider Electric, a company that has been awarded titles for being the world’s most sustainable corporation multiple times. The winery has a long history of prioritizing environmental responsibility, receiving accolades such as the RISE Leadership Award for waste prevention and greening its supply chain.

For those wanting to understand more about the synergy between winemaking and sustainability, a newly released video featuring CEO Remi Cohen is available on Schneider's YouTube channel.

In conclusion, the partnership between Domaine Carneros and Schneider Electric not only strives for excellence in winemaking but also leads the way towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the entire wine industry. With these innovative practices, Domaine Carneros continues to uphold its dedication to quality and environmental care, ensuring the longevity of both the winery and the planet.

Visit Domaine Carneros for more information on their sustainable practices and award-winning wines.