Arbikie Distillery to become first in world to be powered by Green Hydrogen energy

Arbikie distillery has just gained planning permission to build a 1 MW Wind Turbine on its farm at Lunan Bay on Scotland’s east coast, which will allow the production of green hydrogen.

The turbine will export its generation to a green hydrogen hub at the Distillery comprising an electrolyser, compressor and storage.

Green hydrogen will be created by the electrolyser and the stored hydrogen will be used by a burner and boiler compatible with burning hydrogen to create steam to deliver the heat for distillation. 

Arbikie believes it will be the first distillery in the world to be powered with green hydrogen, another major milestone on their journey to becoming one of the world’s most sustainable distilleries.

Arbikie is known for being a rare, field-to-bottle distiller as they grow all the ingredients they need to distil on their farms and also for pioneering the distilling of sustainable spirits.

In 2020, the distillery launched the world’s only climate-positive gin, Nàdar.

A revolutionary spirit for the drinks industry, with a carbon footprint of -1.54 kg CO₂e per 700ml bottle, Arbikie worked in collaboration with Abertay University and the James Hutton Crop Institute.

The Arbikie team are collaborating with hydrogen experts, Logan Energy and renewables specialists, Locogen on this new project.  

John Stirling, Co-Owner of Arbikie Distillery said: “This has the potential to transform the distilling industry.

"We are delighted to be working with energy experts, Locogen and Logan Energy.

"We aim to be one of the world’s most sustainable distilleries so being able to use green hydrogen power will be another significant step on our sustainability journey.”

Bill Ireland, CEO of Logan Energy added: “As demand to switch to net zero technologies continues to grow, this project is a good example of the important role hydrogen can play.

"We’re incredibly proud to be supporting Arbikie in their net zero ambitions”.

Andy Lyle, CEO of Locogen, said: “This is a great step forward for Arbikie as we help them demonstrate how distilleries can use new technologies to create cleaner, sustainable businesses.”