Cameronbridge Distillery, the Diageo-owned grain whisky producer, has announced a "decarbonisation" project. The multi-million-pound project will see the distillery move to electric operations, through which it expects to reduce carbon emissions by more than 90 per cent.
One of the largest grain whisky producers in Europe, Cameronbridge celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024. The distillery's grain whisky output contributes to blended Scotches including Johnnie Walker, and it is also the production site for Gordon's and Tanqueray gins and Smirnoff vodka.
The project is being facilitated by SP Energy Networks (SPEN), and will have two stages. Stage one will be an "electricity supply uplift" to increase Cameronbridge's electricity connectivity over two years. Stage two will be an ongoing project to replace the distillery's gas-powered assets.
Once completed, Diageo says that Cameronbridge's 17.4-megawatt annual energy needs will be met entirely through renewable energy. The project falls under Diageo's 'Spirit of Progress' action plan to reach net zero carbon emissions across its direct operation by 2030.
Alex Robertson, Cameronbridge operations director for Diageo, said: "We are incredibly proud of this transformative project that will fuel our operations in a more sustainable, more energy-efficient way for the next 200 years.
"This multi-million-pound investment is a significant step towards our 2030 ambition of net zero emissions in our direct operations and highlights our commitment to environmental stewardship. Being able to cut the site’s emissions by more than 90 per cent is an incredible incentive, and we view this initiative as a significant step towards our net zero goals.”
“We’re grateful to be working with supportive partners in SP Energy Networks (SPEN) and InvestFife to undertake this major electrification project.”
Councillor Altany Craik, a Fife Council spokesperson, added: “This partnership approach and the investment from Diageo not only strengthens our local economy by creating jobs but also shows our commitment to creating a stronger, greener and fairer economy within Fife.”
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) revised its sustainability strategy in 2021, setting out plans to support the the industry to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Recent sustainability developments from other whisky makers include Suntory Global Spirits' WhiskHy project, which is experimenting with hydrogen as a fuel source for direct-fired stills, and Lagg Distillery's peat restoration project.
