A SCOTTISH whisky distillery is launching a multi-million-pound decarbonisation project in a bid to slash emissions by over 90%.
The Diageo Cameronbridge Distillery in Fife, one of the largest grain whisky producers in Europe, is set to receive one of the most substantial electricity uplifts Scotland has ever seen.
The move is expected to save 33,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, compared to the distillery's 2020 emissions.
Upon completion the project will meet Cameronbridge distillery’s annual energy needs of 17.4 megawatts entirely through renewable energy – enough to power 11,0000 homes, Diageo reports.
The company aims to reach net zero across its operations by 2030.
After the distillery is fully electrified, Diageo has said the second stage will be the total replacement of gas-powered machinery and assets at the Cameronbridge site.
Recently celebrating its 200th anniversary, Cameronbridge contributes single grain whisky to some big brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Gordon’s, Tanqueray and Smirnoff which are exported around the world.
Alex Robertson, Cameronbridge Operations Director for Diageo said in a statement: "We are incredibly proud of this transformative project that will fuel our operations in a more sustainable, more energy-efficient way for the next 200 years.
"This multi-million-pound investment is a significant step towards our 2030 ambition of net zero emissions in our direct operations and highlights our commitment to environmental stewardship."
He added: "Being able to cut the site’s emissions by more than 90% is an incredible incentive, and we view this initiative as a significant step towards our net zero goals.”
“We’re grateful to be working with supportive partners in SP Energy Networks (SPEN) and InvestFife to undertake this major electrification project.”
This comes after a turbulent year for whisky exports. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) released its global export figures last week which showed a decrease of 3.7%.
The SWA called on the UK and Scottish Governments to provide more support for the industry as distillers warn that the combination of consumer spending pressures, increased domestic tax and regulation, and turbulent global trade may continue to impact exports into 2025.
