One of Skelmersdale’s largest employers has secured significant funding from the UK government to conduct a ground-breaking trial utilizing hydrogen as a substitute for natural gas in its manufacturing operations.
The Tawd paper mill, owned by Essity, a leader in hygiene and health products from Sweden, will pioneer the use of hydrogen in the production of tissue, which is utilized in the manufacturing of toilet rolls and kitchen towels. It is the first mill in the UK to explore the potential of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source for this specific industry.
Essity has successfully secured funding through Phase 2 of the UK Government’s £55m Industrial Fuel Switching Competition, as part of the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) – that is awarding up to £2.2million to the trial, to help determine hydrogen’s feasibility as an alternative fuel source for the UK paper-making industry.
Image Source: Skem News
Andrew Hearns, who has led the project for Essity said;
“Sustainability is a key part of our global business strategy… We are committed to reducing our own carbon emissions by 35 per cent by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
“If this trial is successful, replacing natural gas with low carbon hydrogen would dramatically reduce CO2 emissions at Tawd and is a major step in the right direction to help us achieve our environmental goals.”
Should the trial prove successful, the hydrogen technology could be permanently implemented at Tawd Mill, while also being adopted at other Essity sites throughout the UK, such as Trafford Park in Manchester and Oakenholt in North Wales.
The mill employs 42 people and is adjacent to another Essity site – with a further 215 employees – making finished goods such as Tork professional hygiene products for clients including the NHS, the hospitality sector, shopping centres and sports facilities.
The trial, scheduled to commence in 2024, will focus on replacing the burners on the drying equipment with ones capable of safely and efficiently utilizing hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. The project will be funded and monitored by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and will be led by Essity in collaboration with Progressive Energy Ltd, a seasoned provider of hydrogen demonstrations, and HyNet North West, a leading industrial decarbonization initiative in the UK.