Powersystems is thrilled to announce its pivotal role in a groundbreaking project at Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery, which aims to become the world’s first distillery powered entirely by green hydrogen. This innovative initiative marks a significant milestone in Arbikie’s mission to revolutionise sustainable distilling practices and reduce carbon emissions.
Pioneering Green Hydrogen Technology
Located amidst the picturesque Angus Hills, Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery has installed a new 1 MW wind turbine as part of its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. The wind turbine provides renewable electricity that will power an electrolyser, producing green hydrogen through water electrolysis. This green hydrogen will then be utilised in a hydrogen-compatible boiler, significantly reducing the distillery’s carbon footprint and advancing its environmental goals.
Powersystems is proud to collaborate with renewable energy specialists Locogen and Logan Energy on this transformative project. Our team has been entrusted with the Electrical Balance of Plant (EBoP) works, including system design, engineering studies, and the integration of electrical infrastructure necessary to support the wind turbine and hydrogen electrolyser.
The Role of Powersystems Delivering Sustainable Solutions
Powersystems has been entrusted with the crucial task of executing the Electrical Balance of Plant (EBoP) works for Arbikie’s groundbreaking project. Our responsibilities encompass the complete system design and engineering studies necessary for the project. We work closely with civil engineering contractors to design, construct, and outfit the substation buildings with small power and lighting systems. Additionally, we handle the installation of comprehensive earthing systems across the entire project.
We are also in charge of procuring essential components such as transformers, switchgear, and LV distribution systems, as well as the 11,000V and 690/400VAC cabling required for effective communication between the wind turbine, hydrogen electrolyser, and distillery. Our work includes the installation, connection, testing, and commissioning of the G99 and G100 protection systems. Throughout the project, Powersystems ensures compliance with all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) and Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) regulations while providing robust project management and SAP duties.
Collaborative Effort and Challenges
The success of this ambitious project depends on seamless collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including civil engineering teams, wind turbine specialists, hydrogen electrolyser technicians, and Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). Powersystems plays a pivotal role in facilitating these collaborations to deliver a fully integrated and efficient system.
Despite the complexities of coordinating such a multifaceted project, the timeline for Arbikie’s hydrogen-powered distillery remains ambitious yet achievable. The design and procurement phase spanned from December 2022 to November 2023, with site installation, commissioning, and testing implemented from April to June 2024.
Powersystems’ involvement extends to the design and construction of substation buildings, installation of earthing systems, and procurement of key components such as transformers, switchgear, and LV distribution systems. Our expertise will ensure seamless connectivity and communication between the wind turbine, hydrogen electrolyser, and distillery, creating a fully integrated and efficient system.
This project exemplifies Powersystems’ commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that align with our clients’ environmental objectives. By ensuring strict compliance with all HSE regulations, we provide comprehensive project management to support Arbikie’s pioneering efforts in green hydrogen technology.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Arbikie’s ambitious project is part of the Green Distilleries competition, an initiative by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) that supports distilleries in cutting CO2 emissions. Having received substantial funding, Arbikie is leading the charge in sustainable distilling by implementing cutting-edge renewable energy solutions.
Iain Stirling, Director of Arbikie Highland Estate, expressed his excitement about the project:
“We are delighted to pioneer the use of green hydrogen in the distilling industry. As the latest custodians of our family farms and distillery, it’s very important to our family to be as sustainable as possible.”
Global Impact and Recognition
Arbikie has already achieved remarkable success with the production of Nàdar, the world’s first climate-positive gin and vodka, created in collaboration with the James Hutton Institute and Abertay University. These achievements have earned Arbikie the ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ award at the Scottish Whisky Awards, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable spirits production.
The distillery’s global reach extends to partnerships with renowned hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott, offering planet-friendly spirits that inspire sustainable cocktail menus worldwide. This global impact highlights the growing demand for environmentally responsible choices among consumers and businesses alike.
Powersystems’ Commitment to Innovation
As a leader in renewable energy projects, Powersystems is proud to support Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery in its quest to become the world’s first green hydrogen-powered distillery. By providing expert engineering solutions and fostering collaboration, we are helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future in the distilling industry.
For more information about Powersystems and our role in innovative renewable energy projects, please visit our contact us directly on 01454 318000
Notes to Editors:
Contact Information:
- This article is written by Jules Daly, Marketing and Communications Manager at Powersystems UK.
- Email jules.daly@powersystemsuk.com Telephone 01454 318000
- Photography Copyright please credit all images used to powersystemsuk.co.uk
Powersystems are powering the transition to a carbon free future
As a high voltage specialist electrical engineering company with over 47 years (1977-2024) experience Powersystems have grown by reputation to become a trusted force in the design, installation and commissioning of electrical infrastructure across the UK.
Celebrating 27 years as the first Lloyds National Electricity Registration Scheme ‘s accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), Powersystems are capable of delivering contestable grid connections at voltages up to 132 kV.
Since 2000, Powersystems have connected over 6 Gigawatts of renewable energy generation to the UK electricity grid, along with decarbonisation technology which includes; wind energy projects, solar, anaerobic digestion, hydroelectric, electrical vehicle infrastructure, short term operating reserve STOR, combined heat and power (CHP), Grid stability projects like rotating stabilisers, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) as well as commercial industrial private wire networks.
Working with partners, delivering sustainable power solutions, proudly the Powersystems high voltage specialist team have connected 30% of all U.K. onshore wind farms.
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