A £60million whisky-powered biomass power plant in Moray has been handed over for commercial operation after passing its final reliability trials, its operators have confirmed.
The Helius CoRDe plant at Rothes will use by-products from local whisky distilleries to produce renewable energy and liquid animal feed.
The project, which will generate enough electricity to power 9,000 homes, includes an 8.32Mwe power plant and a 66.5t/h pot ale evaporator plant.
The plant, which was officially opened by Prince Charles earlier this year, is part owned by Diageo, Edrington, Chivas, Inver House, John Dewar’s, Campari and Ben Riach, along with Helius Energy and Rabo Project Equity.
“We are delighted to have successfully completed the final testing and handover of the Rothes plant,” said Helius chief executive Adrian Bowles.
“Completing it on time and within budget sends a very strong message about Helius’ ability to deliver biomass projects. The facility has been producing renewable electricity since January this year and will now enter full commercial operation as an outstanding example of renewable energy production in action.”