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In a push toward sustainability, Diageo’s Cameronbridge Distillery, one of Europe’s largest grain whisky producers and the force behind household names like Gordon’s, Tanqueray, and Smirnoff, has unveiled a multi-million-pound decarbonisation initiative. This ambitious project will electrify the distillery’s operations, cutting its carbon footprint by over 90%—a transformative step in the brand’s sustainability journey.
Facilitated by SP Energy Networks (SPEN), the project represents one of Scotland’s most significant electricity uplifts, delivering an annual CO2 reduction of 33,000 tonnes—a staggering drop compared to the distillery’s 2020 emissions baseline.
Once completed, the electrification initiative will ensure Cameronbridge’s 17.4MW annual energy demand is met entirely by renewable sources—enough power to sustain 110,000 homes. This significant milestone aligns with Diageo’s Spirit of Progress action plan, bringing the company closer to its 2030 net zero goal for direct operations.
Two-Phase Transformation
The Cameronbridge project will unfold in two key stages:
Stage 1: A two-year infrastructure upgrade to expand the electricity supply, significantly boosting the distillery’s connectivity.
Stage 2: A phased transition from gas-powered assets to fully electric alternatives, ensuring long-term sustainability.
This initiative marks a historic shift for Cameronbridge, which recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. The distillery plays a pivotal role in crafting single-grain whisky for Johnnie Walker and producing globally recognised spirits that reach markets worldwide.
“We are incredibly proud of this transformative project that will fuel our operations in a more sustainable, more energy-efficient way for the next 200 years,” said Alex Robertson, Cameronbridge Operations Director for Diageo.
“This multi-million-pound investment is a significant step towards our 2030 ambition of net zero emissions in our direct operations and highlights our commitment to environmental stewardship. Being able to cut the site’s emissions by more than 90% is an incredible incentive, and we view this initiative as a significant step towards our net zero goals.”
“We’re grateful to be working with supportive partners in SP Energy Networks (SPEN) and InvestFife to undertake this major electrification project.”
Jack Evans, District General Manager for Central and Fife District at SP Energy Networks, added: “We’re proud to be part of enabling industry to transition towards a greener future. This project sees us facilitate Diageo’s drive to decarbonisation.”
Beyond its environmental benefits, the Cameronbridge electrification project catalyses economic growth in Fife, strengthening the region’s green energy credentials. Diageo, a major local employer, has partnered with Fife Council to support the InvestFife initiative, an ambitious strategy positioning the area as a leader in sustainable industry.
This latest investment builds on Diageo’s broader renewable energy efforts in Fife, including:
A bio-energy facility at Cameronbridge that converts distillery by-products into heat and power.
An 8,000-panel solar array at the Leven packaging plant covers up to 22% of the site’s energy demand—a figure that jumps to 60% in summer months.
Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council Spokesperson – Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning, added: “Diageo’s commitment to invest in such renewable energy solutions within Levemnouth here in Fife sets a powerful example for others to follow.
“This project is a testament to the innovation and ambition driving investment in Fife but is also a welcome example of how Fife Council – via our economic development team and SPEN as delivery partners – have been able to support and enable industry energy needs whilst also recognising the need for stewardship of our environment.
“This partnership approach and the investment from Diageo not only strengthens our local economy by creating jobs but also shows our commitment to creating a stronger, greener and fairer economy within Fife.”