By Renewable Energy Focus staff

The biomass CHP plant will use the by-products from a Scotch whisky to generate electricity and produce animal feed.

Helius CoRDe Ltd – a consortium comprising Scotch whisky producers the Combination of Rothes Distillers, energy firm Helius Energy Plc and project equity company Rabo Project Equity BV – is behind the biomass CHP plant.

The plant is expected to generate 7.2 MW of electricity, and could employ around 20 full-time people when operational in 2013.

Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, says: “This project underlines the Scotch whisky industry’s commitment to investing in the future. In 2009 the industry made a commitment to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy. The project shows how we can create a virtuous circle within the Scotch whisky production process. The project is benefiting from initiatives, such as the Renewables Obligation Scotland which is vital for renewable energy schemes such as this to go ahead.

“The innovative project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration between Scotch whisky distillers. It will be a welcome boost to the region in these challenging economic times.”