Storegga has submitted a planning application to Moray Council to develop a green hydrogen plant at Ballindalloch , Marypark. This project aims to reduce the carbon footprint of whisky distilleries in Speyside and contribute to Scotland’s energy transition.
A key step towards the sustainability of Scotch whisky
The whisky industry, which accounts for over 75% of Scotland’s food and drink exports, generates a significant economic impact, contributing £7.1 billion to the UK.
However, with more than 600,000 tonnes of CO2 emitted by 2022, the sector faces the challenge of reducing its emissions. The Scotch Whisky Association has set a target of reaching net zero by 2040 .
The green hydrogen plant will be a sustainable alternative
Green hydrogen, identified by the Scottish Government as a key element of the energy transition, offers a clean solution to replace fossil fuels in whisky production. A recent report indicates that distilleries are the third sector with the highest potential demand for hydrogen in Scotland, estimated at 1.4 TWh per year.
Storegga’s proposed facility will use renewable electricity to generate hydrogen through electrolysis , producing approximately 25 tonnes of green hydrogen per day . The initiative is expected to enable the industry to reduce its CO2 emissions by 50,000 tonnes per year.
Impact on community and employment
In addition to promoting sustainability, the Storegga project will generate jobs and provide employment in the region. It is estimated that the plant will create up to 30 direct full-time jobs once operational.
The company has conducted public consultations to involve the community in the planning process and has carried out educational activities in local schools to promote knowledge about renewable energy .
The planning application is currently under review by the local authority and a decision is expected in the coming months. If approved, construction will begin in 2026.
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Source and photo: Storegga
