New Biomass Boiler for Famous Whisky Distillery and Wick District Heating Scheme

20th February 2013

Ignis Biomass Ltd has installed and is now operating a new biomass boiler to provide heat for the district heating scheme in Wick. The new 3.5 megawatt steam boiler is part of an initial £2.5m investment in the Wick district heating scheme, following its purchase by Ignis in June 2012. The new boiler is supplying steam to the adjacent Pulteney Distillery, in addition to supplying the district heating network.

The distillery (part of Inver House Distillers Ltd) is the producer of the renowned “Old Pulteney” single malt whisky. Pulteney’s 21 year single malt was voted “World Whisky of the Year” in Jim Murray’s 2012 Whisky Bible Awards. Martin Leonard, Operations Director of Inver House Distillers said “Ignis’ new boiler provides a source of renewable energy for the Distillery which will assist in achieving our environmental objectives by reducing our use of fossil fuels. We are pleased to be working with Ignis, helping them build a successful business in Wick based upon a sustainable supply of energy”.

Craig Ibbetson, Director of Ignis Biomass Ltd said “The new boiler is the first step in our plan to grow the supply of affordable and sustainable energy to homes and businesses in Wick. The district heating scheme currently supplies nearly 200 homes with affordable, renewable energy. Our agreement to supply steam to Pulteney Distillery is a major part of the development plan that will allow us to expand the coverage of the scheme, and we expect to add new customers during 2013.

Ignis is conscious that for many of our customers the cost of heating is a significant expense, and Ignis is committed to ensure that the district heating scheme remains the lowest cost means of heating available in Wick. Further, as part of the continuing upgrade of the district heating network, Ignis will soon begin installing new smart meters which will enable our domestic customers to better manage their heat use.

This scheme is a model of Scottish Government policy in terms of addressing fuel poverty, localised energy generation, and the efficient use of biomass resources.”

Conversion of the plant to use biomass means that old oil fired boilers can be turned off; reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 90 percent. The wood chip fuel is sourced locally, creating and securing jobs in the forest industries in the Highland region.

Ignis Biomass specialises in the generation of renewable energy from sustainable sources, providing UK business and public sector organisations with local solutions for energy, waste management and greenhouse gas reductions.
www.ignis-biomass.com

PHOTO
The boiler house building next to the Pulteney distillery.
Photographer - Bill Fernie