Energy tech helps distillery's net zero journey

ANNANDALE Distillery is one step closer to net zero following the installation of new thermal energy storage technology.

A new ‘decarbonisation machine’ which can replace up to 100 per cent of the fossil fuels currently used in high temperature industrial processes will be installed at the award-winning distillery in Annan, and used to produce a carbon-neutral whisky.

The technology was invented by the University of Edinburgh spinout, Exergy3, and was awarded funding from the UK Government’s £55m Industrial Fuel Switching Competition. Its chief executive officer Dr Markus Rondé said: “We are very excited about the potential applications of this technology, from process heat provision for large-scale industry, to decarbonising buildings through residential heating networks.

“This technology is a game changer in the race to net zero, as we believe that we will be able to offer a commercially viable pathway to decarbonisation to industrial energy users within the next few years.”

Commenting on the distillery’s new installation, co-owner Professor David Thomson said: “Our distillery is on a journey towards net zero. Being able to raise all of the steam we need via green electricity would be a massive step forward for us, and for the Scotch whisky industry as a whole.

"We look forward to partnering with Exergy3 on delivering this really important project.”