Whisky and spirit producers from Orkney to Cornwall could benefit from a share of almost £9m in government support aimed at driving forward plans to create low-carbon distilleries.
Having already received collective funding of more than £1m to kick-start green innovation projects, 12 distilleries across Scotland and five in England will be able to bid for further grants up to £3m.
The grants will support successful distilleries to accelerate projects that decarbonise production processes.
In the first phase of funding, distilleries received up to £75,000, helping them boost decarbonisation research and development, with schemes including the use of hydrogen and biofuel boilers and geothermal energy in their production processes.
Projects that have already received funding include Orkney’s Highland Park Distillery using stored energy from green renewable sources that can be converted into heat on demand.
Funding for the Green Distilleries competition is part of the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative low-carbon technologies, systems and processes in the power, buildings and industrial sectors.
Energy Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “From whisky and gin to rum and vodka, the UK’s distilleries are famous around the world for their innovation, and it is great to see them use this to get into the spirit of going green.
“The funding announced today will support one of our most iconic industries to go further and faster in cutting their carbon emissions and build back greener – something we can all raise a toast to.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “Right across the country, from Edinburgh to Orkney, it’s wonderful to see so many Scottish distilleries moving forward to the next stage of this competition, allowing them to bid for a share of £8.9m UK government funding.
“This funding will support local businesses to cut carbon emissions and create sustainable jobs, helping us build back greener as we prepare to host COP26 in Scotland later this year.”