Protium Green Solutions has received more than £70,000 to help incorporate hydrogen combustion technology into Bruichladdich Distillery, on the Rhinns of the isle of Islay in Scotland.
Part of the BEIS Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), the project is thought to be the next step in assessing the application of alternative fuels at the island-based Bruichladdich.
Due to the remote location of many distilleries across Scotland, hydrogen is a critical step forward in enabling producers to work towards net zero. Hydrogen further enables operations to benefit from on‐site power sources that are otherwise hindered by pre‐existing grid limitations.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, is the feasibility project named HyLaddie, which will explore the deployment of an on‐site Deuterium Dynamic Combustion Chamber (DCC™) as a viable mechanism to meet Bruichladdich’s heating requirements.
Together with ITPEnergised and Deuterium, Protium will investigate optimal system design and how the DCC™ can be integrated into the Victorian distillery. The feasibility study must consider the preservation of centuries old equipment, the safeguarding of spirit quality and the impact on the local community.
Intended for completion in the spring of 2021, the study is included within phase one of the NZIP Green Distilleries competition. Positive results would see project teams target phase two of funding in order to install the DCC™ and assess its industrial application.
“We are delighted to be given the opportunity to demonstrate how green hydrogen can deliver a zero emission heat solution for Bruichladdich. Green hydrogen will play a key role in decarbonising the UK manufacturing sector, particularly food and drink where Protium is well established in designing green hydrogen for industrial heat solutions,” said Christopher Jackson, CEO of Protium and Director of Deuterium.
“Together with ITPEnergised and Deuterium, we are eager to demonstrate how hydrogen can be used by Bruichladdich to reduce their footprint and emissions, and look forward to helping them spearhead innovation in a sector that is so rich in tradition and history.”
“At Bruichladdich Distillery, we understand that there is real potential for a hydrogen‐based solution to decarbonise our industry. We are thrilled to have the support of Protium, Deuterium and ITPEnergised to help us assess the feasibility of employing a hydrogen fuel switching solution for our distillery – a move we hope benefits the broader industry,” added Allan Logan, Operations and Production Director of Bruichladdich.
The project follows a series of significant funding announcements from the UK Government, whose economic plans continue to support hydrogen projects. Alongside a dedicated hydrogen strategy expected in 2021, £100bn of funds have been earmarked for spending across the UK with some likely to be awarded to green hydrogen and other clean tech projects.
