Energy Centre paves the way for decarbonising industrial heat generation

Simpsons Malt Limited and AMP Clean Energy are partnering to build an Energy Centre that reduces carbon emissions in malting using wind and biomass power while pioneering renewable biomass fuel as energy storage.

This innovative project will consist of a 12MW electric boiler fueled by wind energy and three 6MW biomass boilers using local woodchips, reducing carbon emissions by 80% during the malting process. The Energy Centre is expected to save 25,000 tonnes of carbon annually, equivalent to the gas consumption of 11,000 homes. It also introduces renewable biomass fuel as an energy storage solution, utilising excess electricity during low-generation periods.

For the first time in the UK, a high voltage electrical boiler will be powered by wind energy that would have otherwise been switched off when there was too much wind. Currently, the grid lacks the capacity to store or transmit excess renewable energy efficiently, resulting in costly compensation payments. This project, set to be completed next summer, aims to address these limitations and pave the way for industrial heat electrification. It will also support the Scotch whisky sector’s emissions reduction targets.

It takes approximately 2.5kg of malt to produce just one litre of whisky meaning the new process will save 275g of carbon for every litre of whisky produced.

Mark Tarry, CEO at AMP Clean Energy, said: “This initiative uses local, low value biomass as a form of energy storage that can provide decarbonisation when the wind doesn’t blow. The high-voltage electric boiler will decarbonise an industrial heat process. It could be replicated across other industries. This project will save consumers money and drive forward the broader energy transition towards a net zero future. The project is also AMP’s largest single investment to date.”

Steven Rowley, operations director at Simpsons Malt Limited, said: “As a Certified B Corporation, we are committed to minimising the impact of our operations on the environment and operating this Energy Centre will be an important step in our objective of achieving net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030, giving us a company wide reduction of around 55 per cent.

“As a result, the malt that leaves our Tweed Valley Maltings – 90% of which is destined for the distilling industry – will have a significantly reduced carbon footprint, helping our distilling customers deliver on their own sustainability objectives while also positively impacting the sector as a whole.”