Last Updated on 13/12/2023 by owen_2023
Solarstream customer Ahascragh Distillery wins the prestigious award for the Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy at the 2023 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Awards.
The team at Solarstream were thrilled to learn that our customer Ahascragh Distillery took home the prestigious award for the Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy at the 2023 SEAI Awards. This accolade recognises the founder’s dedication and ingenuity in leading the way to decarbonising the energy source for the distilling industry. We are all so proud to have been part of this project here at Solarstream.
The annual SEAI Awards recognise and reward excellence in sustainable energy in business, communities, research, buildings, renewables, and the public sector. Over the last two decades the awards have celebrated success, leadership, and ambition in sustainable energy.
Ahascragh Distillery is powered through innovative use of wind and solar energy combined with an energy efficient storage system and high temperature heat pumps. This is a first for the industry.
The old Ahascragh mill in Galway dates to the early 1800s and up until the 1950s processed grain into flour. Located in the heart of the village and steeped in history, the mill complex remained derelict for the past 60 years. The building has been given a new life and is now home to Ireland’s first zero energy emissions distillery.
Through the innovative use of wind and solar energy combined with high temperature heat pumps, Ahascragh Distillery founders Gareth and Michelle McAllister have changed the way whiskey and gin are made in Ireland.
This has enabled the distillery to recycle energy that would normally be rejected, making the process more efficient than a conventional design. The innovative system achieves temperatures above 115° – which is a first in Ireland and the UK. As a result of the process, this allows Ahascragh Distillery to achieve a saving of 706 tonnes of CO2 per year with a 40% reduction in cost over an expected lifetime of 20 years.
Distillery Founders Gareth & Michelle McAllister, expressed their gratitude for their dedicated team that have played an instrumental role in achieving this remarkable feat, saying, “Winning this award is a testament to the passion and commitment of our team at Ahascragh Distillery. We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition, and it motivates us to continue on our mission to decarbonise Irish whiskey and gin production.”
Gareth McAllister remarked “Not only does cutting carbon emissions make environmental sense, but it makes economic sense too. As a result of implementing these processes and efficiencies, we have seen a reduction in our energy bills by 30-40%.”
Currently there are PV Solar Grants available for businesses in Ireland as well as low interest Solar loans. Businesses can save up to 70% on their electricity bill with clean green energy with low interest solar loans.
Solarstream incur the capital cost and offer you a very competitive low price electricity solution or if you want to use your own lender, we can guide you through the process.
We manage everything, including design, finance, and maintenance. We incur the Capital cost and offer you a competitive low price electricity solution. Furthermore, we work with major lenders in Ireland to offer you the lowest rates of interest and help and guide you through the process in securing your PPA Loan through Solarstream or if you choose a major lender within the Irish market.
Learn more about Solar Grants and Loans here
Learn more about Ahascragh Distillery here