CHALLENGE
Decarbonizing Energy-Intensive Whisky Production
Transitioning whisky distillation processes in high-temperature spirit stills from fossil fuels to hydrogen power in a cost-effective manner.
Achieving a fast project turnaround time despite current supply chain disruptions.
SOLUTION
An Ultra-Efficient, Zero-Emission Water Electrolyzer for Green Hydrogen Production
Supercritical collaborated closely with Parker Hannifin and its UK distributor, KC Controls, to source corrosion-resistant fittings and valves, capitalizing on Parker's extensive hydrogen experience and manufacturing capabilities. This partnership ensured the components were produced locally and delivered within the required 16-week timeframe.
BENEFITS
Securing Market Lead for Zero-Emission Whisky Production
The partnership enabled Supercritical's unique electrolyzer technology to deliver on key project milestones, accelerating its route to market.
The groundbreaking electrolyzer reduces CO2 emissions from whisky production by 615g per liter of whisky.
The high efficiency of the electrolyzer means it uses 88% of renewable energy, with only 12% waste.
“Supercritical is pioneering hydrogen technology to enable decarbonisation of the hardest-to-abate sectors. This needs to be done with urgency. Fast, decisive action with high-quality and short lead times on critical componentry is imperative to change at pace. Parker’s alignment on Supercritical’s vision and their support in the WhiskHy project is a first class example of how game-changing start-ups and established industry leaders can catalyse change together."
Luke Tan, CPO and Co-Founder of Supercritical
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Discover how Parker collaborated with hydrogen equipment manufacturer SUPERCRITICAL and helped them bring their first-of-its-kind, zero-emission, ultra-efficient, and iridium-free green hydrogen generator to market, during the most globally challenging economic environment in decades.
Achieving Net Zero with Supercritical Innovation
Beam Suntory, in alignment with the Scotch Whisky Association's Net Zero 2040 goal, has partnered with Supercritical to decarbonize its production. Utilizing a revolutionary electrolyzer powered by green electricity, the distillery is on track to meet its CO2 reduction targets.
In remote Scottish locations, distilleries often depend on delivered fossil fuels. Therefore, switching to hydrogen fuel, supported by Scotland's abundant renewable energy, presents an attractive option. Green hydrogen emerges as a feasible energy source.
However, the cost and efficiency of electrolyzers pose significant barriers.
Supercritical's innovative solution involves using on-site wastewater to produce high-pressure hydrogen for storage at distilleries. This new electrolyzer, which is 40% smaller and consumes 15% less energy, produces green hydrogen at reduced costs compared to traditional models. Operating without gas compression, it produces green hydrogen at 200 bar and has the potential to reduce up to 660k tonnes of CO2e in the Scottish whisky sector alone.
By adopting hydrogen instead of LPG, Beam Suntory aims to maintain and even elevate product quality while lowering CO2 emissions.
The Challenge
During the design stage of the Supercritical electrolyzer, it was determined that a nickel superalloy was the most suitable material for constructing the 'hot' sections of the electrolyzer in order to maximize asset integrity, safety, and lifespan.
However, this material was scarce and expensive due to post-pandemic economic impacts and geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, the lead times for necessary instrumentation valves and fittings sometimes exceeded 52 weeks, posing a significant challenge to the project's success.
The Solution
Parker Hannifin, with over 60 years of experience in hydrogen technologies and global manufacturing and distribution capabilities, stepped in to fulfill Supercritical's requirements. Collaborating with distributor KC Controls, Parker commenced the manufacturing of the required components in the UK and supplied corrosion-resistant fittings and valves within a 16-week period, keeping the WhiskHy project on track.
The Benefits
Parker's commitment to clean technologies and global sustainability, combined with their high-quality hydrogen-compatible components, played a crucial role in the success of Supercritical's project. This partnership enables Supercritical to benefit from Parker's vast engineering expertise and global manufacturing network for future endeavors.
Read Full Story
Supercritical develops partnerships with industry to move and think beyond fossil fuels with innovative clean technology solutions. It was such a partnership with Parker that enabled them to progress their WhiskHy project with the Beam Suntory. Supercritical undertook a study that found there was an opportunity to decarbonize the distillery assets cost competitively with hydrogen by 2030 when compared to LPG by providing a zero-emission electrolyzer to decarbonize the distillery and produce circa 57,000 bottles of hydrogen-distilled whisky. Which is believed will represent the first hydrogen-fired bottles of whisky ever created on an industrial scale.
Discover more about the products used on the Supercritical application
Two Ferrule Tube Fittings A-LOK Series
Ball Valves Hi-Pro Series
Needle Valves SM Series
Needle Valves H Series
Non Return Check Valves
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Components and systems manufactured by Parker for use with gaseous and liquid Hydrogen in infrastructure and on-vehicle applications