Food industry giant Kraft Heinz is joining forces with Carlton Power to embark on its inaugural green hydrogen project in the United Kingdom. The proposed initiative, known as the Kitt Green hydrogen plant, is poised to supply energy to more than 50% of Kraft Heinz's manufacturing facility in Wigan, marking a significant leap towards the company's overarching net-zero objectives.
Jojo Lins De Noronha, President for Northern Europe at The Kraft Heinz Company, expressed optimism about the partnership, underlining its importance in advancing the company's global goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with a substantial 50% reduction in emissions targeted by 2030. He stated, “We are excited to partner together to develop our first, renewable hydrogen energy project globally and hope to see more projects like these in the future.”
The envisioned 20MW Kitt Green hydrogen plant is anticipated to fulfill over 50% of the manufacturing site's annual natural gas requirements, resulting in a substantial reduction of the plant's carbon emissions by approximately 16,000 tons per year. The hydrogen production process will utilize an electrolyzer powered by renewable energy sources, primarily derived from wind and solar power.
Carlton Power, with Kitt Green being its fifth green hydrogen project in the UK, emphasizes the critical role such initiatives play in supporting British companies, particularly in the manufacturing sector, in their endeavors to decrease carbon emissions and achieve net-zero targets. Carlton Power hydrogen projects director Eric Adams said, “We are delighted to be working with Kraft Heinz to bring forward a green hydrogen facility at Kitt Green to help the company accelerate its efforts to decarbonize their operations.”
The £40 million Carlton/Kraft Heinz renewable hydrogen scheme is contingent on securing planning approval and financing, with operations slated to commence in 2026. Construction hinges on securing financial backing from the UK Government's Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) of the Hydrogen Production Business Model (HPBM).
Eric Adams added, “It is critical that projects like this are brought forward to support British companies, especially in manufacturing, in reducing their carbon emissions and reaching Net Zero.”
Over the next 12-18 months, Kraft Heinz and Carlton Power will work towards obtaining planning permission while simultaneously seeking grant funding and operational financial support from the UK Department of Energy Supply and Net Zero (DESNZ). The submission to DESNZ, scheduled for this year via HAR2, will follow consultations with local and national stakeholders.
