Orkney Distillery to explore feasibility of hydrogen fuel to decarbonize distilling process

The HySpirits project : Orkney Distilling, Edinburgh Napier University, and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) have partnered to explore the feasibility of hydrogen fuel to decarbonize the distilling process at environmentally friendly gin distillery under The HySpirits project.

The project will study the potential conversion of a craft gin distillery in Orkney in Scotland from using liquid petroleum gas to hydrogen to produce sustainable gin.

Awarded £148,600 by the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to conduct the study at Orkney Distillery, The HySpirits project will explore the development of a thermal fluid heater system that uses green hydrogen derived from local renewables rather than fossil fuels.

The Edinburgh Napier University will evaluate the gin distillery site and develop the hydrogen system design and specification.

Orkney Distillery HySpirits project to develop hydrogen-fuelled distillery. Photo courtesy of Edinburgh Napier University.

Commenting on The HySpirits project at the gin distillery, Lord Ian Duncan – Climate Change Minister said: “Using the power of hydrogen could help cut emissions, create jobs and make industrial processes cleaner and greener, benefitting the whole economy as we work towards net zero by 2050.

“This innovative project from HySprits/EMEC will help our efforts to roll out hydrogen at scale by the 2030s – a crucial step towards the end of the UK’s contribution to global warming.”

Hydrogen has been identified as an alternative fuel for energy-intensive industrial processes such as distilleries and could offer a substantial decarbonization opportunity for the wider industry.

Jon Clipsham – Hydrogen Manager, EMEC, commenting on The HySpirits project at the gin distillery, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Orkney Distilling Ltd and Edinburgh Napier University on this transformational project.

“The HySpirits project blends tradition with innovation. Decarbonising the distilling process with green hydrogen derived from local renewables is a great example of the creative ways Orkney is addressing the challenges of the energy transition.”

Orkney Distillery could become first hydrogen-fuelled distillery in the world if the feasibility study proves successful.

John Currie – Director of the Scottish Energy Centre, Edinburgh Napier, said: “Industrial fuel switching in order to lower carbon emissions provides a significant challenge, particularly in the food and drink sector.

“This project has brought together a partnership which has enabled the development and exploitation of a readily-deployable hydrogen technology which can make a significant impact across the process industries in order to help achieve our global objectives.”

For more updates on the gin distillery at Orkney Distillery, The HySpirits project, and all other drinks industry news, keep following Business News Today.