The University of Kentucky's James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, in partnership with the Center for Applied Energy Research and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, is embarking on a groundbreaking project to revolutionize bourbon production in the state. The initiative, funded by the State Energy Program, aims to make bourbon production more sustainable by introducing hydrogen co-firing alongside natural gas in the distillation process. This move is crucial for decarbonizing the industry and reducing reliance on natural gas. Seth DeBolt, the director of JBBI, highlighted the significance of integrating hydrogen into the process as a step towards sustainability. The project will monitor the impact of hydrogen on the distillation process and the resulting bourbon over a four-year aging period at the JBBI barrel house. Kentucky's leadership in energy and innovation is further solidified by this project, which is a pioneering effort nationally. Kenya Stump from the EEC emphasized the importance of innovation in industry while focusing on environmental preservation. The project aligns with Kentucky's energy strategy of exploring various fuel sources, with hydrogen playing a crucial role in emissions reduction and business sustainability. The next phase of the project will explore agrivoltaics, combining solar energy generation with crop production for the spirits industry, aiming for a synergy between renewable energy and raw material sourcing. Rodney Andrews from the UK Center for Applied Energy Research highlighted the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of the project, showcasing how diverse expertise can tackle energy efficiency challenges in the bourbon industry. The integration of hydrogen and solar energy into bourbon production reflects a forward-thinking approach towards sustainability and innovation in Kentucky's renowned spirits industry.