Diageo India has announced an “industry-first water stewardship initiative” in partnership with renewable water technology company, Source Global.

The beverage producer will leverage Source Hydropanel technology – which uses the sun to draw pure water vapour out of the air – to produce water for single malt whisky brand Godawan.

Source Global will construct a 200-panel water farm in Alwar, Rajasthan, which is expected to generate 9,000 litres of water within the first six months. The plan is to scale up the installation to produce around 27,000 litres of water per month after a year, helping to conserve groundwater.

Operating off-grid and without electricity, Source Hydropanels help reduce carbon emissions associated with treating and transporting potable water.

Hina Nagarajan, managing director and CEO at Diageo India, said: “We have a responsibility to grow our business sustainably from grain to glass. Last year, we set a vision and commitment to build our ‘Society 2030’ programme, aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”

Nagarajan continued: “The innovative actions of our teams and partners will help us conserve groundwater considerably. Our partnership with Source is aligned to the craft philosophy of born good, made good and serve good. This is a step forward in our journey to be part of the solution in water-stressed geographies.”

Neil Grimmer, brand president of Source, commented: “As the first company to use renewable water in an alcohol brand, Diageo India is serving the growing demand for premium, sustainable products in an incredibly unique and powerful way. The world, especially in already water-stressed regions like Rajasthan, is now facing the harsh realities of climate change, and Diageo is leading the way toward a more secure and sustainable future.”