Whisky firms in £24m biomass plan
A consortium of Scotch whisky companies is planning a £24m heat and power plant fuelled by biomass in Rothes.
The group, called the Combination of Rothes Distillers (Cord), has lodged a planning application with Moray Council for the project.
The plant would use distillery byproducts, replacing fossil fuels.
It is claimed the facility would take two years to construct and could be capable of generating enough electricity to power about 9,000 homes.
Draff what is left of the grain after fermentation is among the products that would be used.
’Exciting vision’
The planned project is in conjunction with Helius Energy, a developer of biomass energy plants.
Frank Burns, general manager of Cord, said: "The stakeholders are solidly behind this exciting vision.
"It has major benefits for the malt distilling industry on Speyside, will improve the longterm sustainability of Cord and help to meet local and national targets for renewable energy.
"It will also assist the Scotch whisky industry to sustain its future growth plans. From the work we have carried out, the concept appears very positive from an environmental, technical and commercial perspective."
The plans follow the completion of a feasibility study.
Original source : BBC News Scotland
