UK | The Kraft Heinz Company has agreed with Carlton Power, a UK energy infrastructure development company, to explore the construction of a renewable green hydrogen plant at its Kitt Green manufacturing facility in Wigan, Greater Manchester.
Kitt Green, one of Europe's largest food processing plants and a key Kraft Heinz site produces a quarter of a million tons of food annually and employs around 850 individuals.
The proposed 20MW Kitt Green hydrogen plant, a first-of-its-kind initiative for Kraft Heinz globally, aims to fulfil over 50 percent of the plant's annual natural gas demand, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 16000T/yr. The hydrogen will be generated through an electrolyser powered by renewable energy sources, primarily wind and solar.
This project marks the fifth green hydrogen endeavour by Carlton Power in the UK, showcasing a commitment to supporting British companies, particularly in manufacturing, in their carbon reduction efforts and journey towards Net Zero.
Jojo Lins De Noronha, President, Northern Europe, The Kraft Heinz Company, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership with Carlton Power, highlighting its importance in advancing the company's carbon reduction goals and contributing to a sustainable future.
The £40m Carlton/Kraft Heinz renewable hydrogen project, subject to planning approval and financing, is projected to commence operations in 2026. Its realisation depends on securing financial backing from the UK government's Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) of the Hydrogen Production Business Model (HPBM), which is aimed at fostering hydrogen adoption and growth across industries.
Over the next 12-18 months, Kraft Heinz and Carlton Power will work towards obtaining planning permission and seeking grant funding from the UK Department of Energy Supply and Net Zero (DESNZ). The initiative aligns with Kraft Heinz's commitment to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 across its operational footprint and global supply chain.
