Arbikie Distillery
Decarbonisation
World’s first green hydrogen distillery
Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery commissioned us to deliver a ground-breaking solution to create clean fuel for its distillation process. The innovation is driven by a green hydrogen hub linked to a single 1MW wind turbine.
- 1MW wind turbine
- Client Arbikie Highland Estate Limited
- Service Components Hydrogen electrolyser, Wind turbine
- Status In progress
A world’s first for green distilleries
Arbikie Distillery has become a world leader in renewable energy by becoming the first ever distillery to develop an end-to-end green hydrogen project to power its operations.
Locogen visualised and successfully led the management of the innovative initiative. We secured grant funding from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero and led the project through feasibility, consenting, design and construction. After the initial feasibility stage, hydrogen emerged as the preferred solution due to its minimal impact on the distillation process. Burning hydrogen does not release any carbon emissions and therefore provides a clean fuel alternative to the previous fossil fuel process.
This innovative project supports The Scottish Whisky Association’s 2040 decarbonisation target and will have a significant impact on a key element of Scottish industry and economy.
Our approach
Locogen identified grant opportunities, successfully applied to the UK Governments Green Distilleries Competition and was awarded £3million in funding. Of the 17 projects funded by the competition to carry out the initial feasibility study and due diligence, Arbikie was one of four to win a second round of funds, which enabled us to fund the detailed design, consenting and construction of the system.
Working with our technology partners, Logan Energy and EWT, to create a full-cycle green hydrogen system, a 1MW wind turbine was installed on-site to generate renewable electricity. This was connected via a private wire to the electrolyser, and using this green electricity and water from a site borehole, they are able to create hydrogen entirely using on-site resources. By using an electrolyser to create hydrogen, this could then be combusted in a burner-boiler to produce steam which could displace the use of oil. We also installed a dual-fuel burner system, allowing the distillery to switch between hydrogen and oil as required, ensuring uninterrupted production.
As a first of its kind project, Locogen navigated numerous technical and logistical challenges and required a highly creative approach throughout. By working closely with our stakeholders and coordinate with regulatory bodies, including local authorities, SSE and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency we were able to ensure the project met all the required regulations and obtained planning permission. Planning permission was granted in August 2022.
Some of the obstacles we had to overcome were proving that there would be no adverse emissions from the site, that the noise from the electrolyser wouldn’t be an issue and facing supply chain issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The distillery also had to update the burner and boiler as the existing one was not capable of safely burning hydrogen.
The outcome
The 1MW wind turbine is now fully commissioned and the electrolyser is due to be finalised in 2025. Once operational, the system will provide a substantial proportion of Arbikie’s thermal energy needs. This project serves as a blueprint for industrial decarbonisation, showcasing the feasibility of hydrogen in the distillery sector.
Locogen continues to pioneer innovative renewable energy solutions, supporting industrial clients in their transition to net zero. The Arbikie project highlights the value of expert-led feasibility studies, grant-funded innovation, and strategic project delivery in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Contact us today to find out how we can help with your renewables project.
