A well-known Perthshire meat production company has revealed a groundbreaking £3 million renewable energy project on its land near Dunning. Simon Howie, a renowned butcher and household meat brand, has installed a 104-meter high wind turbine along with 3800 solar panels as part of a significant step towards achieving net zero emissions. The 2.3MW wind turbine and 2.1MW solar array were officially activated yesterday after extensive planning and months of installation and testing. The system is expected to generate over 120% of the energy required by the company solely from Scottish sun and wind, leading to a reduction of more than 500 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
The timing of the project aligns perfectly with the company’s busiest operational period, from October to February, encompassing the Christmas demand and the upcoming haggis season leading to Burns Night celebrations. Simon Howie, the owner of Simon Howie Group, expressed his delight at the completion of the renewable energy system, highlighting the dual benefits for the business and customers in mitigating energy-related cost increases. He emphasised the company’s serious commitment to environmental responsibility, addressing the urgency of the climate crisis and advocating for a sustainable future within the food manufacturing sector.
In addition to enhancing sustainability, the company has expanded its workforce to over 130 employees, representing a growth of more than 20 from the previous year. To maximise the energy generated, the business has invested in 2 x 450KWh battery storage units, enabling continuous factory operation during night shifts or periods of low sun and wind. Any surplus energy beyond storage capacity will be sold back to the grid. In a bid to support the circular economy, the wind turbine was sourced from an existing wind farm, exemplifying a commitment to reusing resources and reducing environmental impact.
The £3 million initiative was predominantly funded by Simon Howie, with additional financial backing from Scottish Enterprise through a £500,000 grant towards the solar panel installation. This transformation positions the company as one of the most sustainable food and drink businesses in Scotland, producing top-quality food products without reliance on fossil fuels. By setting a precedent for environmentally conscious practices and demonstrating the commercial viability of renewable energy, Simon Howie strives to inspire other food and drink manufacturers to embrace a more sustainable future for the industry.