PILKINGTON'S long-standing tradition of innovation is set to continue as a green hydrogen developer will help support low-carbon glass production by the company.
Grenian Hydrogen is developing a project to provide a long-term supply of green hydrogen to produce low-carbon glass at the Greengate Works site, in St Helens.
Pilks says this will "provide a blueprint for the decarbonisation of flat glass manufacturing all over the world".
The project will also help solidify the town’s place at the forefront of both low-carbon energy development and glass innovation, in the wake of the launch of the Glass Futures research and technology facility at the former United Glass site in Peasley Cross.
Glass Futures launched last year in St Helens (Image: St Helens Star)
Pilkington UK, part of the NSG Group, has manufactured glass in St Helens for almost 200 years, supplying glass into the architectural sector for buildings and homes.
Grenian will produce green hydrogen on a plot at the Greengate Works site using renewable electricity. This will reduce fossil gas used in Pilkington UK’s furnace allowing Pilkington UK to continue to decarbonise its glass production.
Grenian Hydrogen comprises Progressive Energy - a low-carbon energy project developer, Statkraft - Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy; and Foresight - a leading investment manager in real assets and capital for growth.
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The consortium is developing a suite of low carbon (‘green’) hydrogen production plants across the North West of England and North Wales.
The project at Pilkington UK is the first that Grenian will submit for planning permission.
Public consultation event for plans to be presented
Grenian CEO, Adam Baddeley said: “The Grenian team has been working closely with Pilkington UK to get to a point at which we can present our plans to the St Helens community.
“We are really looking forward to meeting those who live and work in St Helens at our community event, as part of our consultation, on June 18, 2024.
"We will be at the World of Glass between 2pm and 7pm to explain more about the project, and answer questions.
“The project marks an exciting point in Liverpool City Region’s journey to create sustainable energy solutions - with St Helens leading the way.”
The public consultation event will provide an opportunity to learn how green hydrogen is created and to find out more about how it will be used at the Greengate Works site.
A public consultation event will take place at the World of Glass (Image: Stock)
Adam added: “At the event we will have presentations from key experts involved in the project, interactive discussions, and opportunities for attendees to share their feedback and insights.
“We would encourage all interested parties to join this conversation and contribute to shaping the future of energy innovation.”
Neil Syder, managing director at Pilkington UK, said: “Our plans to produce green hydrogen on site will provide a blueprint for the decarbonisation of flat glass manufacturing all over the world.
“Using zero carbon hydrogen to fuel our production will enable us to permanently remove 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions from our production each year, representing a major step forward in meeting our Science Basted Targets Initiative (SBTi) certified targets for achieving carbon neutrality."
Neil Syder, managing director, at Pilkington UK (Image: Submitted)
Mr Syder added that securing hydrogen supply will help Pilkington deliver its vision by "transforming our processes and by delivering the low carbon building products that will define the pace of decarbonisation in the built environment”.
The Star reported earlier this year after the closure of Pilks' Watson Street Works site with productions moving to Greengate, as part of a project that represents one of the single biggest investments the manufacturer has made in the UK in decades.
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