Leading the way in fuel-switching research project
We are taking part in a ground-breaking research project, which could lead to cement and lime kilns operating with a net zero carbon fuel mix.
The £6.2 million project, due to be completed by the end of March 2021, is being funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and has been awarded through the Mineral Products Association (MPA). It follows a BEIS-funded feasibility study in 2019, which found that a combination of 70% biomass, 20% hydrogen and 10% plasma energy could be used to eliminate fossil fuel CO₂ emissions from cement manufacturing.
The aim now is to test that theory by researching the potential of hydrogen and plasma technology to reduce carbon emissions through switching from fossil fuels on an industrial scale.
Our Ribblesdale cement works in Clitheroe, Lancashire, is the site of the trials to demonstrate the zero fossil fuel operation using hydrogen and biomass fuels in the cement kiln.
The project results will be shared with UK and global industry to maximise the environmental benefit of the technology.
“Cutting CO2 emissions is a key priority for us and we are delighted to be playing a leading role in this collaborative project as part of our sector’s approach to find more sustainable processes,” said Hanson CEO Simon Willis.
“We’ve taken big steps towards reducing carbon emissions through the use of alternative fuels and have set ourselves an ambitious target of achieving a 50 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, based on 1990 levels.
“We were also the only company in the cement sector to sign an open letter urging the government to write the Committee on Climate Change’s recommendations for a UK 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target into legislation.”
Minster for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, Kwasi Kwarteng, added: “Reducing emissions from homes and industry is a key part of our work to eliminate our contribution to climate change by 2050.
“This innovative project by MPA and its members is an exciting development and could make a significant impact on our net zero ambitions.”
The BEIS-funded research projects could save around two million tonnes of CO2 a year if implemented across the UK cement industry; equivalent to the annual emissions from 266,000 households.
For more information visit the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy or the Mineral Products Association websites.