Achieving net zero-emission production through hydrogen: Evidence from Scottish whisky industry

Climate change poses a significant threat to economic development and necessitates immediate actionto achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the feasibility of hydrogen systemsas a comprehensive solution for decarbonizing the distillery industry, a sector often deemed “hard-to-treat” from service perspective. Through a qualitative case study of a whiskey distillery in Scotland,insights from senior management at both the distillery and the hydrogen system provider reveal thepotential of hydrogen to not only serve as an energy source but also to address broader sustainabilitychallenges within the food and agriculture sector. While advantages are evident, the study also identifieschallenges related to infrastructure, cost, and the need for shifts in government policy, user attitudes, andinvestor perspectives. This research serves as a precursor to broader sectoral studies aimed at developingpathways toward net-zero emissions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholdersto unlock the full potential of hydrogen as a transformative solution for achieving a sustainable future.