Decarbonising Whisky: How AMP is Helping Distilleries Cut Carbon and Costs

Why the whisky industry must decarbonise heat

Whisky is more than a product. It is Scotland’s most famous export, a cornerstone of the economy and a symbol of national heritage. But behind the tradition lies a hard truth: distilling is one of the most energy-intensive industries in the country. From the kilning of the barley through mashing, fermentation and distillation, whisky relies on vast amounts of heat and steam. Rising energy costs, tightening climate regulation and increasing scrutiny from customers and investors mean the industry can no longer afford to rely on fossil fuels.

A recent article in The Drinks Business underlined just how acute the challenge has become. Distilleries are under growing pressure to cut carbon and improve efficiency, with the industry now facing the same climate and cost headwinds that are reshaping every energy-intensive sector.

That pressure is not just commercial. It is regulatory too. The UK’s legally binding net zero commitment for 2050, and Scotland’s faster target of 2045, put a spotlight on industries that depend on heat. For larger sites, carbon pricing through the UK Emissions Trading Scheme already adds cost to every tonne of CO₂ emitted, and disclosure rules are increasingly pushing businesses to account for emissions across their supply chains. In this environment, inaction is not an option. Distillers who move early will protect competitiveness. Those who don’t risk being left behind.

AMP projects proving the model

AMP has already shown what is possible.

On Islay, Bunnahabhain Distillery now runs on a £6.5 million low-carbon energy centre designed, built and operated by AMP. The system uses locally sourced biomass to deliver net zero steam, allowing a traditional whisky-making process to continue without the traditional carbon footprint.

At Simpsons Malt in Berwick-upon-Tweed, a £45 million hybrid energy centre is cutting kilning emissions by 80 per cent and avoiding 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ every year. By combining electric and biomass boilers and capturing curtailed renewable power that would otherwise be wasted, AMP has delivered the lowest-cost, carbon-free heat with no upfront cost to the business.

These are not theoretical models. They are live projects, proving today that whisky and its wider supply chain can decarbonise heat while reducing costs and risk.

A technology-agnostic approach to net zero whisky

What sets AMP apart is not only the track record but the approach. We are technology agnostic, designing the right system for each site. We bring the market access, infrastructure and expertise needed to unlock curtailed renewable power that would otherwise go to waste. And we fund, own and operate the assets, taking on the capital and operational risk so that businesses can focus on what they do best.

Securing the future of Scotland’s national drink

The whisky sector now stands at a crossroads. Heritage and future competitiveness depend on the same thing: clean, affordable and secure energy. AMP is already delivering it.

If your business is ready to tackle the energy challenge, talk to us about a fully managed, no-CAPEX solution that cuts carbon while keeping costs under control.