14 DAY TRIAL // A whiskey-to-energy facility in Scotland started commercial operation this July 15. Its operators claim that, once it starts functioning at full capacity, the facility will generate enough electricity and heat to meet the demands of 9,000 local homes.
The plant has only recently completed a test period during which it recorded an estimate power output of 8.4MW. This power was generated by converting biomass into energy.
It's no news that the Scots like whiskey. Hence the fact that noteworthy amounts of this beverage are produced on Scottish lands.
As is the case with several other industries, the business of manufacturing whiskey can be linked to several by-products that can easily be converted into energy and heat.
The Helius Energy plant now up and running in Speyside, Scotland, is expected to process whiskey by-products sent its way by distilleries in the regions, Business Green reports.
Besides producing environmentally-friendly energy, the facility will roll out pot ale syrup, a liquid substance that can be used as animal feed by local farmers.
According to the same source, the so-called whiskey-to-energy facility will help keep 18,000 tonnes of harmful emissions out of our planet's atmosphere.
This is because it is expected to replace a gas-fired facility that has been producing electricity and heat for people living in the area for many years now, but which is now getting ready to retire.
Commenting on this project, Adrian Bowles, the current chief executive of Helius Energy, stated as follows:
“We are delighted to have successfully completed the final testing and handover of the Rothes plant. Completing it on time and within budget sends a very strong message about Helius' ability to deliver biomass projects,”
The company is now working on completing a similar project in Avonmouth. This second biomass plant will have an energy generating capacity of 10MW.
“Having again demonstrated our ability to deliver projects, we continue to focus on the financing of our Avonmouth project, which we are targeting to finalise later in the financial year,” Adrian Bowles wished to stress.