Inver House Distillers has invested in Balmenach whisky distillery.

Work on a £3m biogas project has begun as part of the investment, which is estimated to significantly reduce the site’s carbon footprint.

The project will use a new anaerobic digestion system that produces a methane-rich biogas to power the site. This system is expected to be operational by mid-2018.

It will be able to process around 130m³ of whisky co-products (pot ale and spent lees) to produce 2,000m³ of biogas a day.

“We also hope this investment will demonstrate how low-carbon manufacture and clean growth are achievable.”

Integrated with Balmenach’s existing wood-pellet biomass boiler, the new system will generate 200kW of power and 230kW of heat. Its output will meet the distillery’s power requirements and will supply electrical energy to the grid.

Inver House Distillers managing director Martin Leonard said: “With this new investment at Balmenach, we are using the very latest technology to further that commitment, working with the best partners in the business to help us achieve our environmental goals.

“It’s an exciting step in our journey and one that we know is recognised and appreciated, not just by the communities surrounding our distilleries, but by the drinkers around the world who enjoy our premium spirits.

“We also hope this investment will demonstrate how low-carbon manufacture and clean growth are achievable, regardless of the size, location or output of the production site.”

Glasgow-based Synergie Environ will manage the installation at Balmenach and Clearfleau will work to design and build the new system.