Maui Brewing’s four-year renewable energy expansion has it nearly off-grid

Hawaii’s most sustainable craft brewery, Maui Brewing Co., has finally completed had its four-year renewable energy expansion approved by the Maui Electric Co. The system was phased in over 3 years (2017, 2018, and 2019).

Solar accounts for more than 80 percent of Maui Brewing’s electricity needs. Maui Brewing employs solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems along with biodiesel fuel generators to provide electricity and hot water to brew the company’s beer and other high quality beverages while being mindful of the community and the environment.

“Leading by example in sustainable manufacturing has been a pursuit for many years,” stated Garrett Marrero, Maui Brewing Co. CEO and founder. “I’m thankful to our partners and especially to our CFO Russell Adkins for sharing my vision and helping to lead this project through completion.”

Maui Brewing’s 1.2 MW system was installed in 2017. MBC recently added battery storage (pictured above) to help achieve their goal of becoming grid-independent by the end of 2019.

Additional sustainability efforts to reduce energy consumption and produce more energy through renewable resources include capturing and reclaiming CO2. It is estimated the combined solar and CO2 recovery will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 2 million pounds per year.