North-east farmers co-operative Aberdeen Grain has been shortlisted for two national green energy awards following a £1.25million investment in biomass boilers.
The co-operative’s bespoke 6MW biomass boiler system, which has been developed to provide heat for three of its grain driers at its base at Whiterashes in Aberdeenshire, is a finalist in two categories at the 2014 Scottish Green Energy Awards.
Aberdeen Grain, in conjunction with specialist biomass business Topling, is up for the Sustainable Development and Renewing Scotland awards.
The biomass project was funded by capital investment from 186 co-op members, and is expected to reduce the fuel bill for grain drying and save the firm 1,300 tonnes of carbon a year.
Aberdeen Grain chairman Ian Cruickshank said: “Being shortlisted is a wonderful recognition for our members who have behind this project from the beginning and who opted to fund the installation rather than rely on the bank funding we had been offered.
“Fuel is our largest variable cost so switching to locally sourced sustainable woodchip will reduce both our costs and our carbon footprint. The 6MW of heat will be used with three driers, increasing their efficiency and value to our members.”
The grain co-op will find out whether it has won these awards at a gala dinner ceremony in Edinburgh on November 27.