Diageo to electrify Cameronbridge Distillery
Johnnie Walker owner Diageo has revealed plans to electrify the Scottish facility that produces its Gordon’s, Tanqueray and Smirnoff brands.
Cameronbridge Distillery, one of Europe’s largest grain whisky producers and the production site of several of Diageo’s white spirit brands, is to undergo a multi-million-pound decarbonisation initiative that will electrify the site’s operations, cutting its carbon footprint by more than 90% in the process.
The move, which is described as a ‘transformative step’ in the company’s sustainability journey, is being facilitated by SP Energy Networks, and represents one of Scotland’s ‘most significant’ electricity uplifts.
It is said the upgrade will deliver an annual CO2 reduction of 33,000 tonnes, and once completed, will ensure Cameronbridge’s 17.4MW annual energy demand is met entirely by renewable resources – enough power to sustain 110,000 homes.
Furthermore, electrifying Cameronbridge Distillery will bring Diageo closer to its 2030 net zero goal for direct operations, aligning with the firm’s Spirit of Progress action plan.
“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,” said Alex Robertson, Cameronbridge operations director for Diageo.
“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. 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.”
The project will unfold over two stages. The first will see a two-year infrastructure upgrade to expand the electricity supply and boost the distillery’s connectivity, while the second stage will see a phased transition from gas-powered assets to fully electric alternatives, thus ensuring long-term sustainability.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the Cameronbridge electrification project is said to catalyse economic growth in Fife, strengthening the region’s green energy credentials.
Diageo has partnered with Fife Council to support the InvestFife initiative, an ambitious strategy positioning the area as a leader in sustainable industry.
Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council spokesperson – finance, economy and strategic planning, added: “Diageo’s commitment to invest in such renewable energy solutions within Levemnouth here in Fife sets a powerful example for others to follow.
“This project is a testament to the innovation and ambition driving investment in Fife but is also a welcome example of how Fife Council – via our economic development team and SP Energy Networks as delivery partners – have been able to support and enable industry energy needs while also recognising the need for stewardship of our environment.
“This partnership approach and the investment from Diageo not only strengthens our local economy by creating jobs but also shows our commitment to creating a stronger, greener and fairer economy within Fife.”
This latest investment builds on Diageo’s broader renewable energy efforts in Fife, which include a bio-energy facility at Cameronbridge that converts the distillery’s by-products into heat and power, as well as an 8,000-panel solar array at the Leven packaging plant, which covers up to 60% of the site’s energy demand in the summer months.
In January, Diageo revealed it had moved the production of Chase spirits to the Cameronbridge site.
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