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Green hydrogen in the manufacturing process of ROCKWOOL..
Research into an innovative new low-carbon technology, funded by the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) under the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) through the Industrial Hydrogen Accelerator programme, will explore the feasibility of replacing natural gas with green hydrogen in the manufacturing process of ROCKWOOL insulation at its Bridgend production facility.
This pioneering project brings together a partnership between ROCKWOOL Ltd, Marubeni Europower, and Mott MacDonald to develop and assess the viability of a comprehensive end-to-end hydrogen solution in South Wales, with the aim of significantly reducing carbon emissions in industrial manufacturing.
Currently, the production of ROCKWOOL’s stone wool insulation relies on natural gas to power its combustion systems and curing ovens, which are essential in the insulation manufacturing process. This new initiative seeks to investigate whether this reliance on natural gas can be successfully transitioned to a cleaner, more sustainable alternative by using green hydrogen produced on-site.
A key aspect of this research involves the inclusion of electrolytic hydrogen production powered by local renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. By harnessing renewable power available in Bridgend, the project aims to demonstrate the practical viability of green hydrogen as a reliable and efficient fuel solution within industrial operations.
The combination of researching green hydrogen applications and the development of an on-site production system has the potential to provide a robust ‘proof of concept’ that could not only transform ROCKWOOL’s own production but also serve as a model for other industrial sectors across the UK, showcasing a pathway towards a greener future.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is supporting the consortium with nearly £400,000 in funding alongside strategic guidance as part of a broader initiative to invest in industrial hydrogen projects across the United Kingdom. This funding underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable industrial innovation.
Rafael Rodriguez, Managing Director of ROCKWOOL Ltd and Senior Vice President of ROCKWOOL Group, stated: “Immediate action is required to combat climate change. Our insulation products already have a net negative impact on carbon emissions, as data indicates that the ROCKWOOL insulation sold in 2022 will save over 100 times more carbon throughout its lifespan than was emitted during its production.
However, we recognize the need to go further in reducing our operational footprint. ROCKWOOL Group has established ambitious decarbonisation targets, verified and approved by the Science Based Target initiative. In line with these commitments, we are excited to enhance our knowledge of green hydrogen’s potential application within our business and operations.”
Tomoki Nishino, President and CEO of Marubeni Europower Ltd, commented: “We are honoured to play a role in this forward-thinking project aimed at conducting a large-scale decarbonisation study at the ROCKWOOL plant. Marubeni brings extensive expertise in power generation and infrastructure development to the initiative.
We believe this feasibility study has significant relevance for other manufacturing plants that are similarly looking to transition towards greener energy solutions. Our hope is that the findings from this study will provide valuable insights to other industries, leading to the wider adoption of such initiatives across the South Wales Industrial Cluster, the whole of Wales, the UK, and beyond.
Furthermore, as a Japanese company with strong connections in the hydrogen supply chain and access to Japanese governmental subsidy funding support, Marubeni aims to create unique value for the UK and encourage further collaboration between the UK and Japan to promote sustainable energy advancements.”
Claudio Tassistro, Energy General Manager at Mott MacDonald, added: “We are proud to support this ambitious study exploring the real-world application of hydrogen in industrial settings.
Our multidisciplinary team has been involved in numerous green hydrogen generation and storage projects worldwide, and we bring a vast array of knowledge, technical expertise, and economic insights to this initiative.
The successful development of green hydrogen production projects such as this is crucial for achieving the UK’s net-zero objectives and tackling the pressing challenges posed by the ongoing climate crisis. We look forward to playing a key role in this important transition toward a more sustainable industrial future.”
