Grissan Renewable Energy groundbreaking 10-8-24 from Beshear X.jpg

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joined leaders from Grissan Renewable Energy in Marion County on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, as the London-based clean energy company broke ground on its first U.S. facility. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Andy Beshear's Office)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A London-based company is bringing its first U.S. clean energy operation to Kentucky.

Grissan Renewable Energy will operate the clean energy manufacturing facility to Marion County, which will convert byproduct — spent mash — from distilleries into renewable natural gas and fertilizer.

The $62.7 million facility will bring 20 new and full-time jobs to the commonwealth. Leaders said those jobs will primarily include engineering and operational positions.

Gov. Andy Beshear joined company leaders to break ground on the facility Tuesday. 

"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 skilled workforce," Beshear said in a news release.

Construction is expected to begin this year on 59 acres in Marion County. Once completed, it will "efficiently process feedstock for the commonwealth's bourbon producers while simultaneously providing renewable natural gas to the surrounding area."

The facility will consist of 15,500-square-foot offices and an education center as part of the renewable natural gas production facility.

"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," Beshear said.

The facility is expected to be completed in fall 2025.

"Kentucky's thriving bourbon industry, combined with our rich Scotch whisky heritage, creates a perfect synergy to introduce our proven, sustainable energy solutions," Grissan CEO Paul Blackler said in a news release. "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."

Grissan Renewable Energy "stands as the world's foremost producer of sustainable, renewable natural gas derived from distillery products." Leaders said the company draws on its more than a century of Scotch whisky heritage in processing about 4 million tons of distillery residues each year, according to a news release from Beshear's office.

It currently generates enough renewable energy through its facilities to heat 140,000 homes, all while eliminating more than 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

To learn more about Grissan Renewable Energy, click here.

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