An East Lothian maltings is going green in a move owners say will secure its future and jobs for years to come.
Pencaitland Maltings has applied for planning permission to erect a new electro-hydrogen energy centre at its East Lothian site to heat the kilns.
Owners Baird Maltings said the new system would have a hydro boiler and electric boiler which would run the system in place of its current gas system.
And they said it would ensure the company could compete with international rivals and meet the demands of its customers.
Applying for permission for the new boilers, the firm said: “The investment behind this development is being made to secure the long-term future of the Maltings with its direct employment of rural jobs and to maintain the strong brand identity of Bairds Malt.
“Although a world leading malt brand, on the world market, Bairds Malt is relatively small compared to some of its competitors most of whom have a lower cost base due their locations abroad and to remain commercially viable, all cost and carbon saving measures must be employed.
“The provision of the new renewable energy centre will allow Bairds Malt to compete with the very best of modern malt production techniques. It will allow the company to better satisfy the exacting low-carbon demands of its customers and help to ensure a long-term future for the business.”
The system will be fuelled using green hydrogen sourced from ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) from their project at Whitelee, in East Renfrewshire.
Whitelee is the UK’s largest onshore wind facility, with 215 turbines capable of generating up to 539 megawatts. Applying for the new boilers, the Maltings operators said hydrogen from the farm, which is around 67 miles from Pencaitland, would be brought over by HGV with around three trips a day.
They said: “Carbon reduction is essential across all industry. The Scottish Government has committed to the national economy being carbon neutral by 2045.
“With this investment, Bairds Malt is committing to its heating process at the Pencaitland Maltings being virtually carbon neutral by the end of 2025. This will guarantee both the future of the maltings and the thriving community that existing Maltings jobs help support. Without this investment, the carbon future of the Maltings is uncertain.”
The plans are available to view on East Lothian Council’s planning portal.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
