A POPULAR Scottish butcher has welcomed the installation of a 104-metre high wind turbine and 3800 solar panels on the company’s land in Dunning.
Household meat brand Simon Howie said it has taken a major step on the path to net zero with the move.
Following years of planning and months of installation and testing, the fully integrated system has now officially been switched on.
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Weather permitting, it is forecasted to produce 120% of the energy the business needs purely from Scottish sun and wind, helping to reduce its carbon emissions by more than 500 tonnes per year.
Owner of the business Simon Howie commented: “After two years of planning it’s wonderful to see our renewable energy system now live.
“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 change comes just in time for the businesses peak operating months from October to February which sees increased demand for Christmas.
From there, it’s straight into haggis season in the run up to Burns Night.
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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The business has also invested in battery storage to maximise return from the energy generated and to continue to power the factory for night shifts or on days where 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 grid.
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