Scottish meat company Simon Howie’s production is now powered by a £3m renewable energy system.
The business has finished installing a new 104 metre-high wind turbine, as well as 3,800 solar panels on its land in Dunning, Perthshire.
The new integrated system is forecast to produce over 120% of the energy the company needs ahead of the Christmas production rush – as long as Scottish weather permits.
The new 2.3mW wind turbine and 2.1mW solar array will help reduce Simon Howie’s carbon emissions by over 500 tonnes per year, which the company described as a “major step forward” on its path to net zero.
It also invested in two battery storages to maximise return from the wind and solar energy generated, which allows it to continue powering its factory for night shifts or on days when it is neither sunny nor windy.
Any excess energy generated once the batteries are full and on-demand needs are met will be sold back to the national power grid.
The £3m project has been largely funded by Simon Howie, with additional support coming from Scottish Enterprise, which provided a £500,000 grant towards the solar panels.
“After two years of planning, it’s wonderful to see our renewable energy system now live,” said business group head Simon Howie.
“Getting the wind turbine and solar panels operational has been a logistical challenge but will reap rewards both for us as a business but also for our customers and consumers as it allows us to do all we can to protect them from energy-related price hikes.”
The company, which expects this to be its busiest festive period to date, said its range of products – including pigs in blankets, bacon and haggis – will be made with a reduced carbon footprint of over 200 tonnes for this period alone.
Howie added: “We take our responsibilities to the planet very seriously. The climate emergency is real and as one of Scotland’s biggest food manufacturers we are committed to a more sustainable future.
“We hope that by showcasing the environmental and commercial benefits of renewable energy, we can encourage other food and drink manufacturers to consider how they can consider a more responsible future.”
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