Simpsons Malt

Transforming the Scotch Whisky Sector with Sustainable Energy Solutions

Key Facts

25,000

tonnes of CO₂ saved annually

225 MW

of flexible generation under construction

80%

reduction in scope 1 emissions

Redefine

local biomass as an energy store

  • Industrial Decarbonisation

Advancing Industrial Decarbonisation in the Scotch Whisky Sector

Simpsons Malt is at the forefront of decarbonisation in the Scotch Whisky industry. Partnering with AMP Clean Energy, they’ve successfully reduced CO₂ emissions by 25,000 tonnes annually. This project also addresses grid constraints, optimises renewable energy use, and sets new sustainability standards for malt production in the Scotch Whisky sector.

The Vision

Simpsons Malt, a certified B Corporation, has long been committed to sustainability. To meet an ambitious target of reaching Net Zero by 2030, they sought a transformative energy solution that would support their energy-intensive malting process while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

AMP Clean Energy’s solution aimed to: 

  • Transition to sustainable energy sources
  • Tackle grid constraints and utilise curtailed renewable energy
  • Maintain high product quality and operational efficiency

The solution faced several challenges:

Energy-Intensive Operations: Malting barley requires significant heat, traditionally supplied by fossil fuels.

Grid Constraints: Unused excess wind energy often goes to waste due to transmission limitations.

Balancing Sustainability Goals: The challenge of aligning sustainability targets with the operational needs of large-scale production.

The Solution

AMP Clean Energy designed, funded, and is constructing a state-of-the-art energy centre at Tweed Valley Maltings, which includes:

Biomass Boilers: These locally sourced boilers provide consistent, low-carbon heat as a baseload energy source.
Electric Boiler (a UK first): Utilising curtailed wind energy to replace fossil fuels in the malting process.

Sustainable, locally sourced biomass fuel provides the baseload decarbonisation and the electric boiler kicks when there is more wind energy being generated than the electricity system can use. This excess wind energy would otherwise be wasted. This ensures that the malt leaving the Tweed Valley Maltings, of which 90% is destined for the distilling industry, carries a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

AMP Clean Energy also provides long-term operations and maintenance to ensure continued efficiency and reliability of the energy system.

The Results

25,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved annually—equivalent to the emissions of 11,000 homes.

80% reduction in Scope 1 emissions at Tweed Valley Maltings.

Optimised renewable energy use—capturing curtailed wind energy for low-carbon heating.

Circular economy approach—locally sourced biomass acts as both a fuel and an energy storage solution.

Direct support for Scotch Whisky sustainability—90% of the malt produced is used by distilleries.

Pioneering Decarbonisation in the Scotch Whisky Sector

Simpsons Malt, with AMP Clean Energy’s support, is setting new standards for sustainable malt production. This collaboration shows how the Scotch Whisky sector can adopt low-carbon energy solutions to meet its decarbonisation goals.

“This project is groundbreaking in its approach to industrial decarbonisation. By combining curtailed wind energy and locally sourced biomass, we are setting a new standard for low-carbon energy solutions, not only for malt production but for the entire Scotch Whisky sector.”

Mark Tarry, CEO, AMP