
Bunnahabhain Whisky
Leading the Way in Net Zero Distillation with Renewable Energy Innovation
Key Facts

- Industrial Decarbonisation
Achieving Net Zero in the Scotch Whisky Industry
Bunnahabhain Distillery, in collaboration with AMP Clean Energy, has achieved Net Zero emission distillation 15 years ahead of the Scotch Whisky Association’s 2040 target. This groundbreaking project, fuelled by locally sourced biomass and draff, is a model for decarbonising distillery operations.
The Vision
Distell International envisioned a sustainable energy solution that not only advanced Bunnahabhain’s Net Zero targets but also supported the local community and environment. The aim was to integrate a low-carbon energy system that would preserve Islay’s forests, promote biodiversity, and contribute to the local economy.
Implementing the biomass energy centre came with unique challenges:
Logistical complexity: Establishing a reliable supply chain for forest biomass and draff required close collaboration with local stakeholders.
Environmental considerations: Ensuring sustainable sourcing practices to protect Islay’s forests while meeting fuel demands.
Technological integration: Adapting advanced biomass technology to the specific requirements of whisky distillation.
The Solution
AMP Clean Energy funded, owns, and operates the on-site biomass energy centre, which is fuelled by locally sourced forest biomass and draff—spent grains left over from the whisky production process.
Key features include:
Locally Sourced Fuel: Forest biomass sourced from just 15 miles away reduces transportation emissions and supports Islay’s forestry economy.
Circular Economy Approach: Nutrient-rich ash is recycled for reforestation projects.
Innovative Technology: The system features a triple combustion chamber, setting a new standard for low-carbon energy in whisky production.
The Results
Distell International envisioned a sustainable energy solution that not only advanced Bunnahabhain’s Net Zero targets but also supported the local community and environment. The aim was to integrate a low-carbon energy system that would preserve Islay’s forests, promote biodiversity, and contribute to the local economy.
Implementing the biomass energy centre came with unique challenges:
5,500 tonnes of CO₂ saved annually—equivalent to the emissions of 1,800 diesel cars (more than the total number of vehicles on Islay and Jura).
95% reduction in emissions compared to traditional oil-based systems.
100% locally sourced fuel and a circular economy approach.
Leadership in Sustainable Whisky Production
Bunnahabhain is now Islay’s first distillery to achieve Net Zero emission distillation, a milestone reached 15 years ahead of the Scotch Whisky Association’s 2040 target. This project serves as a blueprint for other distilleries aiming to embrace industrial decarbonisation and adopt Net Zero energy solutions.
This innovative project has garnered industry recognition, including being shortlisted for Regen’s Green Energy Awards 2023 in the Clean Energy Scheme category.
“This is an exciting new chapter for Bunnahabhain distillery and sustainable whisky production on Islay. The biomass energy centre makes Bunnahabhain Islay’s first distillery with a Net Zero distillation process, and we’re extremely proud, not only of the scale of the project but the entirely locally sourced fuelling system, which supports the island’s forests and economy.”
Julian Patton, International Supply Chain Director at Distell International, owner of Bunnahabhain Distillery
Awards

Finalist
Clean Energy Scheme

Winner
Project Category