Over the last few years, the whisky, beer, and gin sectors have changed massively throughout the UK. Markets that have been dominated by a few large producers have now been broken up and diversified, small producers have been popping up all over the place, and a newfound variety in products is attracting consumers…

But with this comes incredible competition in the distilling markets – with the intersection of costs and pricing playing a huge role in overall business success.

Keep reading to find out more.

The Current State of Distilling

Well over 1.3 billion bottles of whisky are shipped from Scotland each year from 133 operating whisky distilleries, 60 gin distilleries, and 120 breweries. Although the majority of these are relatively small, many new producers have the beneficial position of being able to try new products – inventing new flavours and running small batches of specialty produce.

More interestingly, perhaps, is the common theme among the most successful of these businesses. Often it is found that the best will use forward-thinking with their production operations to utilise not just raw materials as efficiently as possible, but energy too.

Sustainability – Another String to the Distilling Bow

Energy and raw materials are by far the biggest operating costs for both distilleries and breweries. Although the basic production principles have remained unchanged for thousands of years, something customers love, there remains new opportunities to improve the efficiency of raw material, water, and energy use.

As the production process demands for heating and cooling of huge volumes of liquid throughout various stages, heat recovery should be seen as a viable option to explore energy savings and strong payback periods to justify outlay. Extraction of heat from liquids after mashing, boiling, and distillation vessels mean that energy can be fed back into earlier stages in the production process. Heat is demanded in other areas like pre-heating boilers to feed water, or a more novel implementation would be to redirect to provide space heating in offices and visitor centres.

Many businesses in the sector are now turning to renewable energy technologies, understanding the importance of preserving the natural heritage of such culturally important produce. In our experience, our clients are keen to explore solar photovoltaic options, small wind, biomass and heat pump systems. It is common to find wonderful opportunities to implement these new and innovative strategies throughout businesses – effectively future proofing their energy use by generating their own power.

However, this is not a ‘one solution fits all’ approach. It takes an incredible amount of detailed data to justify what can be considerable capital outlay – especially if your business cannot handle temporary holds in production or operates under tight margins.

Why is Energy For Distilleries so Important?

In 2019, the UK Government outlined their goals for net zero emissions by 2050. In Scotland, this was tightened even further to a deadline of 2045. Although ambitious, these goals can be reached – with exactly how to do so outlined in a ten-point plan released by the government. It is clear to see that there will be a significant impact on a number of key industries, with the distilling sector certainly required to play their part.

It is possible to simplify this yet further into four key approaches; Reducing energy consumption to lower emissions and costs, using clean energy and implementing in efficiently, utilising green energy to reduce overall emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, and where possible offset your energy.

Although it must be said that this is really just the tip of the iceberg…

Energy Solutions for Distilling

Our extensive client base and many years of experience in the industry mean we have developed an incredible knowledge of the distilled spirits production process. It is this understanding that sets us aside from other energy consultants – we see our clients as individuals, celebrating uniqueness in their business and finding solutions that work best for them.

We have outlined some of the possible services that we know are beneficial to distilleries of all types;

Net zero emissions planning and advice
Energy transition planning
Energy audits
Project appraisal

Technological Solutions for Distilleries

For those who have the capacity to do so, there is a litany of technology available to make considerable energy and cost savings throughout your business. How, where, and when to implement these technologies can remain a challenge to ascertain, however. Speaking to a knowledgeable energy consultant can ensure the best outcomes for your business. Some examples of technology you could implement are included below.

Heat pumps
Condenser hot water recovery systems
Thermal Vapour Recompression systems
Pot ale and spent lees heat recovery systems

Flash steam recovery systems
High gravity mashing systems
Boiler economiser

The ready-made solution for Distilleries 

Flexible contracts are a relatively new contract type that helps to pass on the benefits of the wholesale energy market to consumers. The price that consumers will pay for their energy is strongly dependent on the movements in wholesale market, meaning that there are opportunities presented during periods of volatility.     

As you can imagine, flexible energy contracts are exactly that – flexible.     

The predictable portion of customer energy use can be thought of as the bulk of their demand, with most businesses able to provide very accurate estimations of this through smart meters, sub-meters, and even energy audits. The peak is essentially the spike in demand outside of this predictable consumption – this then forms the tradeable volume that can be traded within flexible contracts.     

You purchase too much energy, and your baseload and peak volumes exceed your profile? Well, just sell the excess back to the supplier.    

You don’t purchase enough energy to cover baseload and peak volumes? Well, just top up with a little extra.    

For those manufacturers with tight profit margins, it’s a game changer.    

The long-term solution – Why Distilling and Energy Brokerage go Hand-in-Hand    

One thing that is universal with all types of distilling is the long hours and demanding nature of the job.    

It is unthinkable for most to deal with energy procurement and strategy on top of their already vast daily responsibilities. Dealing with suppliers, complex calculations, paperwork, long phone calls, complex jargon, and even more paperwork…    

We don’t blame you.    

Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone on your side to alleviate the load when it comes to energy?     

That’s when partnering with an energy procurement specialist comes in handy. Acting as a knowledgeable consultant for everything energy, they’ll keep you on the best possible energy contract available to you. Saving you money and time to spend on whatever else you’d rather be doing.    

Energy Solutions by Us, for You          

At a time of great uncertainty in global energy markets, it is easy to feel lost in it all.        

Keeping up to date with developing situations and the associated ramifications is a tricky and time-consuming job. It is also one that is not likely a priority for you and your business.       

So, what do you do?        

You partner with energy procurement experts to take the load off your desk.      

Energy Solutions have been trusted brokers for countless businesses for over twenty years, which means we know how to navigate the energy markets during a time of uncertainty.    

Website: https://www.energybrokers.co.uk/    

Email: nick@energybrokers.co.uk    

Call Us: 0131 610 1688    

WhatsApp: 07757 400 788   