Gas Networks Ireland is facilitating a new industry-leading biomethane pilot project with the Malting Company of Ireland and Ahascragh Distillery as part of its efforts to help major energy users decarbonise.
The pilot programme showcases a practical pathway for Irish companies that use high-heat manufacturing processes to significantly reduce their emissions.
The new biomethane initiative is helping demonstrate how renewable gas can be used in the process of malting barley to support more sustainable whiskey production, while also reducing emissions from high-temperature industrial processes that are difficult to electrify.
As part of the initiative, the Malting Company of Ireland is using certified biomethane in a pilot malting process at its Cork facility, with the malt then being used by Galway-based Ahascragh Distillery, which is Ireland’s first eco-distillery, in its whiskey production process.
The Malting Company of Ireland, which has been operating since 1858, supplies wholegrain products to the Irish distilling and brewing sectors and exports to customers internationally.
It uses gas during the kilning process, which is when the grain is dried by heated air, and very high heat is required. This is most energy intensive phase of the malting process, so being able to switch to biomethane can have a major impact on its operation.
Facilitated by Gas Networks Ireland, the initiative highlights how renewable gas can support Irish industry in reducing emissions, while continuing to operate using their existing infrastructure and equipment.
High-temperature industrial processes, such as malting and kilning require a consistent and intense heat source that requires gas heat and can be challenging to electrify. Biomethane offers a practical lower-carbon alternative that can be used within existing gas systems without needing any significant operational changes.
Jennifer Harte, Head of Customer and Communications at Gas Networks Ireland, said:
“Reducing emissions in industries that rely on high-heat processing is a challenge for our customers. This initiative demonstrates the important role renewable that biomethane gas can play in supporting important Irish industries, like the food and beverage sector, to continue to produce high quality products, while reducing their carbon footprint.
“At Gas Networks Ireland, we work closely with our large customers to help them explore practical decarbonisation solutions that support competitiveness, sustainability and long-term energy security.”
Paul McGillicuddy, CEO of Malting Company of Ireland, said:
“We have been malting barley since 1858, and sustainability is critically important to the future of our business. The source of our energy matters enormously, particularly for a heat-intensive process like malting.
“What has been particularly encouraging about this biomethane initiative is that we are able to continue operating using the same process and equipment. It demonstrates the real potential renewable gas has to help industries like ours reduce emissions in a practical way.”
Gareth McAllister, Co-Founder of Ahascragh Distillery, said:
“At Ahascragh Distillery, sustainability is central to how we operate. We are already powered entirely by renewable energy, so naturally we want to reduce emissions across our supply chain too.
“This collaboration helps reduce the Scope 3 emissions associated with the malt we use in our distilling process and shows the positive impact businesses can achieve when working together.”
Gas Networks Ireland is committed to helping to increase the amount of biomethane on its network and working with a wide range of companies and stakeholders to help deliver cleaner, more secure and more sustainable energy for the country.
Gas Networks Ireland has secured agreements with seven biomethane production plants to be contracted to connect to the national gas network over the past three years and additional contracts are currently at an advanced stage of discussion.
More info: www.gasnetworks.ie/graintoglass
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