Helsinki Distilling Company
Biogas for steam production
Organic waste as a raw material for biogas
Helsinki Distilling Company makes whisky and gin in Helsinki’s Teurastamo district. The distillery began using biogas in 2017 and supplied its own organic waste for biogas production.
Organic waste was delivered to a biogas plant in Lahti. At the distillery, biogas from the network is used to produce steam for a 1,500-litre still.
Gas powers the process
The distillery occupies five buildings and uses two stills. The larger industrial-scale still runs on biogas and the smaller one on electricity.
“We expanded production capacity in summer 2017 and started using biogas at the same time. We use it in our new 1,500-litre still, which is powered by steam. Biogas powers the steam generator.”
Mikko Mykkänen, Master Distiller
The smaller production line has not been considered for conversion to biogas because of the still’s small size. Larger equipment is generally steam-powered and needs a more substantial energy supply.
A city business participating in the circular economy
The company originally became interested in biogas after seeing similar solutions in breweries.
“Breweries have fairly similar production processes to distilleries. I had seen biogas systems in a few breweries, and we thought that, being in the city, it would be good to put our own organic waste into circulation.”
The energy content of the distillery’s own waste does not cover all its needs because the quantity of waste is relatively small.
Installation was straightforward because a gas pipeline ran next to the factory. An old, disused network existed in the Teurastamo district. As restaurants and other businesses moved into the area, a connection was built to the old pipeline.
Practicality and safety
The larger production line uses gas to generate steam. A network connection reduces the need to handle gas cylinders.
“Gas cylinders are inexpensive compared with the cost of building a gas connection, but changing and handling cylinders takes time.”
Mykkänen highlights convenience and safety as benefits.
“It is really nice not to have to store cylinders, and to have a gas pipe going straight into the room with the steam generator. I can easily turn the tap on or off. There are, of course, safety valves for leaks or overpressure, which shut off the gas supply immediately.”
About the distillery
“Helsinki Distilling Company is the first private distillery in Helsinki since prohibition. We produce spirits, mainly whisky, gin and other distilled drinks.”
Mikko Mykkänen