A Scottish distillery has become one of the first in the industry to install cutting-edge technology that promises to slash energy consumption by over 90%, according to The Drinks Business and briggsplc.com.
Following the awarding of a decarbonisation grant in 2023, the installation of the new Mechanical Vapour Recompression(MVR) system marks a milestone in The GlenAllachie’s ongoing sustainability efforts.
The GlenAllachie Pioneers Energy-Efficient Production
The new MVR system will save 367 tonnes of CO₂e annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 825 homes.
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READ THE STORYThe technology, developed by engineering firm Briggs of Burton and supported by the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, represents a major advancement in sustainable whisky production.
The BRIGGS ThermoDrive system comprises two 21,000-liter wash stills that recycle heat from the distillation process. Operating at noise levels below 78 dB, the technology allows distillery tours to continue uninterrupted while meeting strict safety standards with its ATEX rating.
“The system has been specifically designed to achieve exceptional energy savings and integrate seamlessly into existing stillhouses,” said Dr. Ben Connolly, lead R&D Engineer at Briggs of Burton.
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The GlenAllachie Shifts from Gas to Green Electricity
The new installation enables the distillery to transition away from gas-powered operations to electricity, which owner Billy Walker identifies as crucial for reducing environmental impact. Walker notes that pot stills account for approximately 60% of the distillery’s total energy consumption, making efficiency improvements in this area a top priority.
“This is not about increasing capacity,” Walker said, according to The Drinks Business. “It’s about building the next chapter of The GlenAllachie’s legacy, rooted in quality, tradition, and innovation.”
The project reflects a wider trend across Scotland’s whisky sector, where distilleries are increasingly retrofitting sustainable technologies. Briggs of Burton has deployed similar systems at other facilities, achieving energy savings exceeding 40% at the wash distillation stage.
