A MULTI-MILLION-POUND pipeline project to link Scotland’s main gas network to Speyside distilleries Tamdhu, Dalmunach, Cardhu and Knockando has been awarded to energy services provider Fulcrum.
The £3.95 million project, being funded by a partnership of Chivas Brothers, Diageo and Ian MacLeod Distillers, will involve the installation of a 13-kilometre pipeline.
Fulcrum, which is based in Sheffield, said the new pipeline would deliver around 4,700 cubic metres of gas every hour to the four distilleries with which it is being linked.
The positive environmental aspects of the scheme were highlighted by Fulcrum, which completed a pipeline for four other Speyside distilleries last year in a project that also involved Diageo and Chivas Brothers.
The energy services company said that the connection of Tamdhu, Dalmunach, Cardhu and Knockando to the gas network would help reduce the distilleries’ carbon footprints by cutting their reliance on fuel oil and ending the need for delivery by road tankers during the summer months.
Fulcrum noted that, given limitations of the current local gas infrastructure, the new pipeline would enable the distilleries to receive a supply from April 1 to September 30 each year, when domestic energy usage was lower.
These infrastructure limitations were also highlighted by Chivas Brothers and Ian MacLeod Distillers.
Mike Younger, finance director at Ian MacLeod Distillers, said: “We look forward to the time when the supply is available throughout the year.”
The latest Speyside distillery pipeline project is scheduled to start next month.
Martin Donnachie, chief executive of Fulcrum, said: “We are delighted to be further endorsing our relationship with Scotland’s historic whisky industry by the award of this second prestigious contract. Not only are the distilleries enabled to further strengthen their gas infrastructure but they will be able to achieve long-term environmental efficiencies.
“This, in turn, will make a significant contribution to the local employers and communities. We look forward to working with them on delivering a sustainable, efficient and environmentally-friendly utilities service.”
Fulcrum said the project would be delivered by a dedicated team of project managers and engineers.
It added that it had designed a “bespoke-engineered system”, which would carry the pipeline across the river at Carronbridge “without impacting on the local environment and dramatic scenery”.
Keith Miller, distilling and maturation director at drinks giant Diageo, said: “We are delighted to be investing in partnership with our Scotch whisky industry colleagues to develop the gas infrastructure on Speyside. The new pipeline will improve the sustainability of our distilleries, and it demonstrates again the contribution our industry makes to the local economy.”
Mr Younger said: “Ian MacLeod Distillers is pleased to have the opportunity to bring gas into Tamdhu.”
Chivas Brothers production director Gordon Buist said: “Chivas Brothers is pleased to collaborate on another gas pipeline project, bringing as it does considerable transport and carbon footprint benefits. It does, however, highlight the constraints of the gas network in this area of Scotland, in that the gas supply will only be available during the summer.”
The previous pipeline project undertaken by Fulcrum brought gas to Cragganmore, Glenlivet, Tormore and Tomintoul distilleries on behalf of Chivas Brothers, Diageo and Angus Dundee.
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