How To Cut Distillation Energy by 85% with MVR – A Case Study on GlenAllachie Distillery
Tracks
Plenary 2
| Thursday, March 6, 2025 |
| 9:40 AM - 10:00 AM |
Speaker
Mr Andrew Mieleniewski
Head of Technical Sales
Briggs of Burton
How To Cut Distillation Energy by 85% with MVR - A Case Study on GlenAllachie Distillery
Abstract
In 2024, the GlenAllachie Distillery, nestled in the heart of Speyside, Scotland, embarked on a transformative journey by embracing Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) technology. With a rich heritage in crafting premium Scotch whisky, GlenAllachie sought to modernise its distillation process while maintaining its commitment to tradition.
The challenge was twofold: reduce the distillery’s carbon footprint and meet the growing demand for its esteemed whiskies. The decision to adopt BRIGGS ThermoDrive MVR technology was driven by a vision to enhance energy efficiency and embrace renewable sources. By recapturing and reusing thermal energy from distillation vapors, GlenAllachie significantly reduced its reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in a substantial decrease in CO₂ emissions (300,000 kgCO2e).
Supported by Briggs of Burton and funding through the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation (SIETF) Fund, the distillery has integrated the MVR system into its existing infrastructure. The results include: improved energy efficiency, cost savings, and alignment with Scotland’s environmental focus. Beyond operational benefits, the MVR project is a point of pride during distillery tours, showcasing innovation and sustainability intertwined with the traditions of whisky making.
GlenAllachie Distillery’s journey exemplifies how environmental stewardship and craftsmanship can coexist harmoniously, setting a precedent for sustainable practices in the whisky industry. The paper will cover the technical aspects associated with retrofitting this novel technology to an existing operation.
The challenge was twofold: reduce the distillery’s carbon footprint and meet the growing demand for its esteemed whiskies. The decision to adopt BRIGGS ThermoDrive MVR technology was driven by a vision to enhance energy efficiency and embrace renewable sources. By recapturing and reusing thermal energy from distillation vapors, GlenAllachie significantly reduced its reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in a substantial decrease in CO₂ emissions (300,000 kgCO2e).
Supported by Briggs of Burton and funding through the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation (SIETF) Fund, the distillery has integrated the MVR system into its existing infrastructure. The results include: improved energy efficiency, cost savings, and alignment with Scotland’s environmental focus. Beyond operational benefits, the MVR project is a point of pride during distillery tours, showcasing innovation and sustainability intertwined with the traditions of whisky making.
GlenAllachie Distillery’s journey exemplifies how environmental stewardship and craftsmanship can coexist harmoniously, setting a precedent for sustainable practices in the whisky industry. The paper will cover the technical aspects associated with retrofitting this novel technology to an existing operation.
Biography
Andrew Mieleniewski, Head of Technical Sales at Briggs of Burton, supports major distilled spirits producers worldwide, guiding customers through site masterplanning and feasibility studies to the realisation of their capital projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Andrew has expertise in energy integration, sustainability, decarbonisation and application of heat pumps to brewing and distilling.
A Chartered Chemical Engineer and examiner for the Chartered Institute of Brewing and Distilling, Andrew has over 36 years of experience in the food and drink industries. He has led Process Design & Engineering teams at major breweries, managed large capital projects, and overseen global operations for leading engineering consultancy firms.
Andrew is passionate about supporting the next generation of engineers, actively delivers talks at the University of Nottingham and Heriot-Watt University. He has authored several publications on brewing and distilling in the Brewing and Distilled Spirits industries for the Brewer & Distiller International and major international conferences.
