CONSTRUCTION GETS UNDERWAY AT MORAY SOLAR PROJECT

Partnership with EDF Renewables UK will enable distillery to deliver up to 25 per cent of overall annual electricity demand

Construction has started on a solar project in Moray to enable The Macallan Estate to further decarbonise its processes. 

The project, in partnership with EDF Renewables UK, will be up to 3MW in size and will support the production of The Macallan’s Single Malt 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 25 per cent of its 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 200 years, as the brand marks its bicentennial celebration in 2024.

The project, which was granted planning permission last year by Moray Council, is now underway and is due to be completed in early 2025.  

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 its kind that EDF Renewables UK has developed in Scotland. Glasgow-based Emtec Energy has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the project.  

The planning application includes a landscaping scheme to minimise the visual impact of the development and enhance existing wildlife habitats and biodiversity. 

Deanna Greenhalgh, Director of Development at SAS Energy, EDF Renewables UK’s commercial and industrial solar division, said: “We are delighted that construction is now underway and we continue to work closely with The Macallan Estate to deliver this renewables project. The project will contribute towards the decarbonisation of the distillery, reducing its energy costs in an uncertain energy environment and will lead the way in showing how the Scotch Whisky industry can progress towards net zero targets. It is an exciting project for EDF Renewables UK 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 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. It complements the Distillery’s current renewable energy supplies and will work in tandem with other projects to accelerate our net zero targets.” 

Chris Clark, Director of Emtec Energy commented: “We are excited to be at the forefront of this ground-breaking project for The Macallan, which is still in its early stages.

“Our collaboration with EDF Renewables UK has been both productive and promising, highlighting the strength of our combined expertise in large scale behind the meter solar deployment.”