Energy efficiency and renewable-energy integration in wineries

Abstract

This presentation identifies energy challenges and sustainable practices relevant to the wine sector. The European framework sets a target of reducing final energy consumption by at least 11.7 % compared with the 2020 baseline, through energy-saving measures across all economic sectors and with energy efficiency as a guiding principle in investment, planning and public policy. In wineries, key measures include energy-management systems for high-consumption facilities; optimisation of thermal and refrigeration processes, particularly controlled fermentation, cold stabilisation and cellar climate control; energy monitoring, digitalisation and reporting through sensors and management platforms; and replacement of auxiliary equipment with high-efficiency alternatives. The framework also promotes renewable-energy self-consumption and process electrification where feasible, reducing dependence on fossil fuels for heating, hot water and air conditioning. Practical fact sheets will present measures for reducing consumption, which is largely driven by refrigeration and fermentation and predominantly supplied by electricity. Because winemaking costs are highly dependent on energy prices, the sector is vulnerable to price fluctuations that can reduce profitability. Renewable technologies can increase energy independence and self-generation, although some are not economically viable at small scale because of higher initial investment, lower efficiency or greater maintenance costs per installed kilowatt.

References

1. Directive (EU) 2024/1275 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 on the energy performance of buildings (recast).
2. Manuela de Castro et al. Energy efficiency in winemaking industry: Challenges and opportunities. Science of the Total Environment, Volume 930, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172383
3. Global Wine Production Reaches 232 Million Hectoliters in 2025.
4. Morales Ruiz, S. Energy Efficiency and Renewable-Energy Integration in Wineries. Recording of the presentation delivered at Enoforum Spain 2026, Zaragoza, 20–21 May 2026. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9ZAt8jfuew