Yorkshire’s independent brewery T&R Theakston has taken a bold step towards sustainability by installing solar panels at its historic Masham site. Nearly 200 years old, the brewery has fitted 205 solar panels on its south-facing buildings, which will supply about 25 percent of its yearly energy needs.
This project was funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), managed locally by North Yorkshire Council. Over the last year, Theakston’s has invested in various upgrades to keep the brewery thriving as it approaches its third century in 2027, while continuing to produce quality beers and welcome visitors.
Simon Theakston, Chairman of T&R Theakston, said: “We are grateful to the UKSPF and North Yorkshire Council for their support through this funding which has enabled us to take this valuable step towards a more sustainable operation here at the brewery. Being based in the heart of North Yorkshire, we’re passionate about the environment and are proud to be playing our part to protect it. From our use of traditional wooden casks for Old Peculier and all our other casks, which are collected, cleaned and reused every day to now being able to produce our own energy, we are committed to evolving in ways which will make our business and our industry more sustainable.”
Councillor Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council and former chair of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Local Partnership Group, said: “Looking at renewable energy sources is a key priority for the council so seeing this funding going into solar panels at Masham is a perfect fit. The UKSPF programme set out to boost the local economy and add community value for local people, and this project fits the bill perfectly.”
As Theakston’s looks forward to its 200th anniversary, embracing solar power shows how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.
Learn more about T&R Theakston at www.theakstons.co.uk.
