3 Rivers Energy Partners, Three Rivers, Mich., held a groundbreaking on Nov. 8 for a new sustainability project that will produce byproduct renewable natural gas (RNG) and fertilizer from distillers grain.
The facility will utilize anaerobic digesters to process spent distillers grains from Beam Suntory’s adjacent Booker Noe Distillery, Boston, Ky., which produces Jim Beam, to produce RNG that will power the distillery.
The project will enable the Booker Noe Distillery to replace 65% of its current conventional energy sources with RNG, greatly reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The digesters will also produce a high-quality, low-cost fertilizer, which will be made available to local farmers.
Once completed, the anaerobic digester will reduce the distillery’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and support regenerative agricultural practices. It is expected to produce up to 1.3 million mmBtu of RNG annually from spent grain.
A similar project by 3 Rivers announced at a Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, Tenn., in November 2022 was expected to produce up to 1.1 million mmBtu of RNG and enough liquid fertilizer to support 43,000 acres of farmland.
“Our goal is to help Beam Suntory create a sustainable future for their company and the planet,” said John Rivers, CEO of 3 Rivers Energy Partners. “With this process, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create new renewable energy, and help contribute to the agriculture needed to create their products. It is truly a full circle sustainability approach.”