In the United States (US), State of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined local and state officials alongside UK-headed Grissan Renewable Energy Ltd officials for the groundbreaking ceremony of the company’s first operation in the United States – a facility in Marion County that will convert spent mash from distilleries into renewable natural gas (RNG) and biofertilizer.
Headquartered in London, UK, Grissan Renewable Energy produces biomethane aka renewable natural gas (RNG) derived from distillery byproducts.
Drawing on over a century of Scotch whisky industry heritage, the family-owned company processes approximately 4 million tonnes of distillery residues annually.
Currently, Grissan Renewable Energy generates up to 5 million MMBtu’s of renewable energy through its state-of-the-art facilities.
First US investment
The US$62.7 million investment, which marks the company’s first project in the US, will create 20 new, full-time Kentucky jobs.
Each time a company chooses to locate here in Kentucky, especially to establish its first operation in the United States, it’s a glowing testament to this great state, its resources, and its skilled workforce. This is an incredible project for the Marion County community that will have a positive impact on the commonwealth’s sustainability initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint. I am thrilled to celebrate this exciting next step for Grissan and Marion County and look forward to a long and successful partnership here in the commonwealth, said Gov. Beshear.
The new facility will efficiently process feedstock from the commonwealth’s bourbon producers while simultaneously providing renewable natural gas (RNG) to the surrounding area.
We’re thrilled to announce our expansion into the U.S. market, establishing Kentucky as our new home. Kentucky’s thriving bourbon industry, combined with our rich Scotch whisky heritage, creates a perfect synergy to introduce our proven, sustainable energy solutions. By deploying our advanced renewable technologies, we aim to actively contribute to Kentucky’s clean energy transition, delivering significant environmental benefits while driving local economic growth and innovation, said Paul Blackler, CEO of Grissan Renewable Energy.
Climate change mitigation and job creation
The company’s pioneering approach has firmly positioned it as a leader in reducing energy emissions and driving environmental sustainability in the distilled spirits industry
Rachel Nally, director of environment and sustainability for Heaven Hill Brands, a principal partner of Grissan Renewable Energy, noted the company’s sustainability practices and looks forward to its partnership with the company.
Heaven Hill is excited to partner with Grissan, a company leading in a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and renewable energy. This partnership highlights our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation within the spirits industry. Together, we aim to create a lasting, positive impact on our businesses, our communities, and the world we share, ensuring a thriving future for generations to come, commented Rachel Nally.
The project will include the construction of 15,500-square-foot offices, including an education center, as well as an RNG production facility on 59 acres.
It will create 20 high-quality, full-time job opportunities, which will primarily include engineering and operational positions.
This is outstanding news for Marion County, and we could not be more excited that Grissan has chosen to invest in our community and create new opportunities for our people. We welcome them to Marion County, and we look forward to continuing to provide support however we can, said David Daugherty, Marion County Judge/Executive.
Construction is scheduled to begin this year and be completed in fall 2025.
We greatly appreciate Grissan’s investment in our community. The company’s cutting-edge technology and business model align perfectly with the progressive vision we have as a community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have in Lebanon and Marion County, said Gary Crenshaw, Mayor of Lebanon.
Grissan’s investment and job creation builds on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
Marion County Economic Development Executive Director Brooklyn Leep highlighted the investment and support of the company’s project.
We are so proud that Grissan has chosen Lebanon and Marion County as home for its very first US operation. We are grateful for Grissan’s investment in our community, and it is our pleasure to support this project every step of the way, said Brooklyn Leep.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over US$32.5 billion in announced investments, creating more than 55,000 jobs.
This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
