Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin visits BrewDog anaerobic digestion plant

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, recently paid a visit to BrewDog’s anaerobic digestion and biomethane facility in Ellon. This visit highlighted Scotland’s pioneering role in green energy and innovative circular economy practices.

On October 22, the Cabinet Secretary had the chance to witness firsthand how the Scottish anaerobic digestion sector is turning organic waste into renewable energy while also reducing carbon emissions.

The Ellon facility is a key part of BrewDog’s net zero strategy, transforming organic waste and brewing by-products into green gas. This initiative not only helps decarbonize brewery operations but also plays a vital role in Scotland’s shift towards a low-carbon circular economy. The plant serves as a prime example of how anaerobic digestion can enhance energy security, promote rural investment, and achieve significant carbon savings, all in line with Scotland’s climate goals.

The visit was coordinated by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), showcasing the sector’s potential to assist Scotland in reaching its net zero targets through the broader use of anaerobic digestion and biomethane technologies.

Dr. Gareth Mottram, ADBA Senior Policy Lead, remarked, “Scotland has a unique opportunity to lead the UK in utilizing anaerobic digestion and biomethane as essential tools for achieving net zero. BrewDog’s Ellon plant exemplifies how food and drink businesses can derive value from waste, reduce emissions, and produce clean energy for their operations and local communities. We appreciate the Cabinet Secretary’s involvement and look forward to collaborating with the Scottish Government to fully realize the potential of anaerobic digestion across the economy.”

James Taylor, the CEO of BrewDog, shared his thoughts: “It was truly wonderful to have Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin visit our site in Ellon. We take immense pride in our Anaerobic Digestion Plant and the vital role it plays in our journey toward Net Zero. This facility is a perfect illustration of how innovation and sustainability can work together—treating over 60% of our brewery's wastewater and producing biogas that can be upgraded and fed into the local gas network, all while helping us lower our carbon footprint. We’re dedicated to pushing the limits of sustainable brewing, and it was fantastic to showcase our progress right here on site.”