Renewable AI

Carbon Neutral Regulation in AI Training

A group of people in hi-vis vests over normal clothing stand outdoors with a large digester dome in the background, a hundred metres or so behind them, with a blue sky overhead and trees and buildings also visible in the background
Gillian Martin MSP (front) with (left to right: Brewdog Ellon AD Plant Manager Gary MacConnell, ADBA External Affairs Lead Cameron Ball and ADBA Technical Support Manager Andrew Brown)

Ellon plant showcases Scotland’s leadership in green energy and circular economy innovation, says trade assocation ADBA

On 22 October, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, visited BrewDog’s state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion (AD) and biomethane facility in Ellon. There she could see first-hand how the Scottish AD industry is turning its outputs into renewable energy and cutting carbon emissions.

The site, developed as part of BrewDog’s net zero strategy, converts organic waste and by-products from brewing into green gas, thus helping decarbonise operations and support Scotland’s transition to a circular, low-carbon economy. The plant offers a perfect illustration how AD can deliver energy security, rural investment, and carbon savings in line with Scotland’s ambitious climate goals .

The visit was organised by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), and highlighted the sector’s potential to help Scotland meet its net zero targets through increased deployment of AD and biomethane technologies in the country.

Dr Gareth Mottram, ADBA’s Senior Policy Lead, said: “Scotland has a unique opportunity to lead the UK in deploying anaerobic digestion and biomethane as core tools for achieving net zero. BrewDog’s Ellon plant is a perfect example of how food and drink businesses can capture value from waste, cut emissions, and generate clean energy for their operations and local communities. We welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s engagement and look forward to working with the Scottish Government to unlock the full potential of AD across the economy.”

James Taylor, BrewDog CEO, commented: “It was fantastic to welcome Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin to our site in Ellon. We’re incredibly proud of our Anaerobic Digestion Plant and the role it plays in our journey to Net Zero. It’s a great example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand – treating over 60% of our brewery wastewater and generating biogas which can be upgraded and injected into the local gas network whilst helping us reduce our carbon footprint. We’re committed to continuing to push boundaries in sustainable brewing and it was great to share that progress on site.”