Kraft Heinz and Carlton Power Forge Pioneering Partnership
In an impressive step towards a greener future, Kraft Heinz, a global food industry titan, has officially signed a momentous agreement with Carlton Power, a leading renewable energy developer, to embark on an ambitious venture aimed at establishing a state-of-the-art green hydrogen plant at the iconic Kitt Green facility in Wigan.
With an estimated investment of £40 million, this transformative project not only promises to revolutionise Kraft Heinz’s manufacturing operations but also significantly reduce carbon emissions, setting a benchmark for sustainability in the industry.
Kitt Green, situated in Wigan, is nothing short of an industrial marvel. As one of the largest food processing plants in Europe, it is a cornerstone of Kraft Heinz’s global operations, churning out a staggering 250,000 tonnes of food annually.
What’s more, the facility serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and efficiency, while also providing employment opportunities for approximately 850 individuals.
The proposed Kitt Green hydrogen plant, boasting a substantial 20 MW capacity, is slated to cover more than 50% of the facility’s annual natural gas demand. This monumental shift is projected to lead to a substantial annual reduction of 16,000 tonnes in carbon emissions.
Furthermore, the hydrogen production process will harness cutting-edge electrolysis technology, primarily powered by clean and renewable sources, such as wind and solar energy.
The realisation of this visionary project, however, hinges on several crucial factors. It is imperative to secure both planning approval and the necessary financing, with a projected operational launch date set for 2026.
The successful receipt of support from the UK Government‘s second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) under the Hydrogen Production Business Model (HPBM) will be instrumental in determining the feasibility of construction.
Over the course of the next 12 to 18 months, Kraft Heinz and Carlton Power will combine their expertise and resources to navigate the intricate terrain of obtaining planning permission and securing grant funding.
Their collaborative efforts are expected to receive crucial financial support from the UK Department of Energy Supply and Net Zero (DESNZ). This synchronised approach underscores the unwavering commitment of both organisations to the common goal of achieving a more sustainable, eco-friendly future.
Commenting on this monumental partnership, the President for Northern Europe at Kraft Heinz emphasised the profound impact of this initiative in their overarching mission to reduce carbon emissions.
They expressed their excitement regarding this venture, highlighting its distinction as the first renewable hydrogen energy project in the company’s global portfolio, and their sincere hope for the proliferation of similar projects in the future.
In response, Carlton Power’s Hydrogen Projects Director echoed these sentiments, emphasising the significance of projects like Kitt Green in supporting British companies, particularly those in the manufacturing sector, in their ardent pursuit of carbon emissions reduction and the ultimate goal of achieving a Net Zero future.
In conclusion, the partnership between Kraft Heinz and Carlton Power, dedicated to exploring the development of a renewable hydrogen plant at Kitt Green, represents a groundbreaking stride toward sustainability and decarbonisation.
With the potential to make a substantial dent in carbon emissions and set a new standard for environmentally conscious food production, this collaborative initiative is an inspiring testament to the power of cooperation and innovation in addressing the global climate crisis.
As these two industry titans embark on this transformative journey, they serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others to follow in the relentless pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future.
News Credits: Kraft Heinz agrees to £40m hydrogen project at Wigan plant
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