A solar project in Moray, which will enable The Macallan Estate to further decarbonise its processes, has been given the green light by local planners.
The development, in partnership with EDF Renewables UK, will be up to 4MW in size and will support the production of The Macallan’s single malt Scotch whisky in Craigellachie, enabling it to accelerate its net zero journey. The ground-mounted solar panels will deliver up to 50 per cent of the daytime electricity needs at peak output for the distillery and around 30 per cent of overall annual electricity demand.
Situated in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan Estate sits amongst 485-acres of land and has been home to the iconic whisky brand for almost 200 years.
In recent months EDF Renewables UK, one of the leading developers of low carbon electricity in the UK, and The Macallan have been working closely with local communities surrounding the development to keep them informed about the project. This is the first commercial and industrial solar project of is kind that EDF Renewables UK has developed in Scotland.
The planning application includes a landscaping scheme to minimise the visual impact of the development and enhance existing wildlife habitats.
Deanna Greenhalgh, Director of Development within EDF Renewables UK’s commercial and industrial solar business, SAS Energy, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Macallan Estate to deliver this renewables project. The project will help decarbonise the Distillery’s operations, reduce energy costs in an ever more uncertain energy environment and lead the way in showing how the whisky industry can strive towards achieving net zero targets. It is an exciting project for EDF Renewables as one of our first commercial and industrial solar projects in Scotland.”
Rachel Walters, Operations Director at The Macallan commented: “The Macallan Estate has been our home for nearly 200 years, and we have always had an inherent respect for the natural world that surrounds us.
“The introduction of solar panels at The Macallan Estate is the latest initiative designed to help us build a more sustainable future, complementing the Distillery’s current biomass set up and will work in tandem with other projects to accelerate our net zero targets.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For further information contact:
Ruth Shewan, External Affairs Manager for Scotland for EDF Renewables UK: ruth.shewan@edf-re.uk
About EDF Renewables UK
EDF Renewables UK and Ireland is a subsidiary of the EDF Group and one of the world’s largest low carbon electricity companies. Our investment and innovation is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities. With our operating portfolio of 43 renewable energy sites including battery, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling more than 1.5GW) we are providing much needed affordable, low carbon electricity across the UK. We have an expanding portfolio with almost 14GW of projects in planning and development, including wind, battery and solar PV.
EDF Renewables UK in Scotland has an experienced team of over 200 people bringing complex development projects to fruition, across onshore and offshore wind. In Scotland, EDF Renewables has an operating portfolio of 10 onshore wind farms consisting of around 500MW with a further 1.5GW in planning and development. This includes our flagship 450MW offshore wind farm Neart Na Gaoithe (NnG) in the Firth of Forth, due to be completed in 2024.
Find out more at www.edf-re.uk.
About The Macallan
The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky.
An obsession with quality and craftsmanship is the hallmark of The Macallan. The outstanding quality and distinctive character of each whisky is influenced by exceptional oak casks seasoned with sherry wine – a commitment to natural colour underpinned by mastery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate, and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills.
The past 200 years have been a prologue for everything that is still to come. This is a journey through time. This is The Macallan, 200 Years Young.
Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.
For further information visit www.themacallan.com and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind the whiskies.
