In the recent refrigeration project upgrade at Jim Barry Wines in the Clare Valley, plant decisions focused on the importance of quality Riesling production, but also crucially the right decisions were made for environmental sustainability.
Temperature control is a critical parameter in quality wine production and is an especially important operation in South Australian wineries given the warm climate.
Refrigeration addresses this need, however is generally the largest consumer of electricity in Australian wineries, typically accounting for 50 to 70 percent of total electricity use, highlighting the critical need for environmental impact to be included in the decision making process.
Foreseeing a rise in Riesling demand, Jim Barry Wines recently looked to upgrade its refrigeration plant, seeking advice from Australia’s largest provider of refrigeration to the wine sector, Cold Logic.
Cold Logic Partner Eddie Lane says, “Cold Logic is passionate about helping our clients improve their efficiencies and environmental impact.
“We aspire to minimise impacts on the environment through actively promoting the use of natural refrigerants, those that actually benefit the environment rather than harming it.
“All while trying to minimise the electrical energy consumed by refrigeration systems.
“Ammonia refrigeration is the most efficient refrigerant in industrial applications with a very high COP (coefficient of performance) efficiency factor.
“Ammonia is a natural refrigerant.
“It is 100 percent environmentally friendly with a zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) factor and zero Ozone Depleting Factor.
“In short, it represented Jim Barry Wines in both the most energy efficient system and environmentally friendly option.”
The ammonia plant was designed and assembled at Cold Logic’s Port Adelaide factory and has been designed to meet Jim Barry’s future growth, with the ability to service a 4,000 tonne crush and whole bunch pressing of 15 tonne of Riesling a day.
Jim Barry Wines general manager Tom Barry says, “Jim Barry are very concerned about climate change and we feel a responsibility to act immediately.
“Jim Barry are extremely aware of our responsibilities surrounding sustainability and achieving our end goal of being carbon neutral.
“The new ammonia refrigeration plant will help guarantee the long-term supply of high-quality Riesling while offering significant environmental benefits and substantial energy savings.
“We estimate that we have achieved around 30 percent in energy savings in just its first year of operation.
“We hope sharing these compelling results will provide fellow wineries the confidence and encouragement to consider an ammonia based refrigeration plant.
“Additionally, our employees care about the environment and want to know the company they work for also cares.
“Team members are also acknowledging the positive environmental contribution we are making.”
Eddie Lane says, “For most companies, having a sustainability plan is no longer a differentiator but an expectation from customers and employees.
“We are buoyed to be playing an important role in the transition to a world where net-zero carbon emissions are a reality.”
Tom Barry concludes, “We love being a part of one of the most innovative winemaking countries in the world.
“We challenge traditions and adopt innovations, which can only benefit our industry and importantly the environment too.”
Founded in 1984, Cold Logic specialises in the manufacture and supply of industrial refrigeration solutions to the beverage, food processing and cold storage industries nationally.
Other major clients include Thomas Foods International, Arnotts, Woolworths, Haighs and Pernod Ricard Winemakers.
Photograph: Tom Barry with Eddie Lane from Cold Logic.
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