Gas Networks Ireland's biomethane pilot to cut whiskey emissions
Gas Networks Ireland has launched a new biomethane pilot project with the Malting Company of Ireland and Ahascragh Distillery aimed at helping energy-intensive industries reduce carbon emissions while maintaining existing production processes.
The initiative is designed to demonstrate how renewable gas can support the decarbonisation of high-temperature industrial operations that are difficult to electrify, particularly within Ireland’s food and beverage sector.
Under the pilot programme, the Malting Company of Ireland is using certified biomethane at its Cork malting facility, where gas is required during the kilning stage to dry barley using heated air.
The resulting malt is then supplied to Galway-based Ahascragh Distillery for use in whiskey production.
Gas Networks Ireland said the project provides a practical example of how companies can reduce emissions without making significant changes to existing equipment or infrastructure.
Jennifer Harte, Head of Customer and Communications at Gas Networks Ireland, said reducing emissions from high-heat industrial processes remains a major challenge for many businesses.
“This initiative demonstrates the important role that renewable 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,” she said.
Harte added that the company is working closely with large energy users to explore “practical decarbonisation solutions that support competitiveness, sustainability and long-term energy security”.
The Malting Company of Ireland, which has been malting barley since 1858 and supplies the brewing and distilling sectors both domestically and internationally, said the pilot highlights the potential of renewable gas for industrial applications.
Chief executive Paul McGillicuddy said energy sourcing is increasingly important for the business, particularly given the heat-intensive nature of the malting process.
“What has been particularly encouraging about this biomethane initiative is that we are able to continue operating using the same process and equipment,” he said.
“It demonstrates the real potential renewable gas has to help industries like ours reduce emissions in a practical way.”
For Ahascragh Distillery, which describes itself as Ireland’s first eco-distillery, the collaboration forms part of a broader effort to lower emissions across its supply chain.
Co-founder Gareth McAllister said the company is already powered entirely by renewable energy and is seeking to reduce indirect emissions associated with raw materials.
Gas Networks Ireland said the project provides a practical example of how companies can reduce emissions without making significant changes to existing equipment or infrastructure.
“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,” he said.
Gas Networks Ireland is continuing to expand biomethane production on its network and has secured agreements with seven biomethane plants over the past three years, with further projects currently under discussion.
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