Bunnahabhain aims for net zero with new energy centre

Bunnahabhain is on track to become the first whisky distillery on the island of Islay to have a net-zero distillation process with the construction of a biomass energy centre.

The £6.5 million facility, being built behind the existing Bunnahabhain distillery, will save 3,500 tonnes of carbon emissions per year – a CO2 saving equivalent to the emissions of 1,800 diesel cars, which is more than the total number of vehicles based on Islay.

It will be powered by wood chippings from spent malt, known as draff, as well as low-value timber felled 15 miles away, supporting the local economy, while ash from the biomass boiler will be repurposed as natural fertiliser for the forests.

Julian Patton, supply chain director at Distell International, owner of Bunnahabhain Distillery, said: ‘This is an exciting new chapter for Bunnahabhain distillery and whisky production on Islay. The Scotch Whisky Association has set a net zero target of 2040 and a lot of work is under way by our team in pursuit of achieving this goal long before this.

‘The biomass centre makes Bunnahabhain Islay’s first distillery with a net zero distillation process, and we’re extremely proud, not only of the scale of the project but the entirely locally-sourced fuel system, which supports the island’s forests and economy.’

Scheduled to be operational by spring 2022, the biomass energy centre has been funded by AMP Clean Energy, which will own, manage and operate the system.

Richard Burrell, chief executive of AMP Clean Energy, said: ‘Through our fund, develop, own and operate model, we are delighted to be supporting Distell Group to help meet its carbon reduction targets.

‘The energy centre being developed at Bunnahabhain is a landmark low carbon project which sets the bar for how manufacturers can reduce their Scope One Carbon emissions, key to achieving net zero.’