Project
Transforming Tradition: How a historic distillery is shaping the future of whisky
HyClyde Auchentoshan is a proposed partnership set to use proven, cutting-edge technology to generate green hydrogen from electrolysis adjacent to the Auchentoshan Distillery.
Whisky heritage meets green innovation
The installation of this green hydrogen technology will mark a new chapter in the 200 year history of distilling at Auchentoshan. Whisky production will be decarbonised while the character of the spirit will remain unchanged. Delivered by global enterprises who share a vision to deliver sustainability in practice, Marubeni Europower and Suntory Global Spirits will collaborate on the design, construction, installation and operation of a hydrogen electrolyser adjacent to the distilling site. If approved, the project will create up to 130 local jobs during construction.
Hydrogen from electrolysis
Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It can combine with many other elements, such as oxygen, to form compounds. One of the most common compounds of hydrogen is water (H2O), formed when hydrogen reacts with oxygen.
“Green” hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro power plant or solar PV, to power a process called electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The UK Government is working with industry to achieve 10 gigawatts (GW) of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, as part of its 2050 net zero target. This could produce hydrogen equivalent to the gas consumed by over 6 million households in the UK every year. This new, low carbon hydrogen could help provide cleaner energy to power our economy and everyday lives.
A sustainable spirit: hydrogen and whisky
In an innovative move that will combine centuries of whisky heritage with modern-day, cutting-edge technology, the HyClyde Auchentoshan project will use a renewable energy-powered electrolyser to produce green hydrogen, which will then be used to power the distillery.
Sustainability, innovation and collaboration are at the heart of this project. HyClyde is about setting a new standard for responsible production. We’re redefining the distillation process, challenging norms and inspiring others to follow suit, proving that excellence and environmental stewardship really can go hand in hand.
This collaborative effort will be fuelled by decades of collective expertise in renewable energy generation and a shared vision for a better future. Working responsibly and in close consultation with the local community, we hope to harness the power of green hydrogen to revolutionise the whisky industry.