#United Kingdom #Low-Carbon #Singleton Birch #Centrica #North Lincolnshire

Partnership for Sustainable Energy

Singleton Birch, a well-known player in the lime industry and part of the MLC group, has made headlines with its latest venture in collaboration with Centrica Energy Storage Ltd. The two companies aim to revolutionize lime production by harnessing hydrogen technology. This project, located at Singleton Birch's operations in North Lincolnshire, is set to produce low-carbon lime, drastically reducing its environmental impact.

Funding and Support

The project has recently been shortlisted for funding under the Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2) initiative, facilitated by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. This significant backing from the government reflects the project's potential impact on reducing carbon emissions. Fiona Woody, director of ESG and sustainability at MLC, expressed optimism about securing the funding, stating, "The UK funding supplements our investment to help us achieve our vision for this project, advancing progress toward our climate targets by cutting carbon emissions, reducing natural gas dependence, and securing a reliable source of green energy."

By committing to invest in this innovative technology, Singleton Birch aims not only to meet its operational needs but also to minimize reliance on fossil fuels.

Project Details

Centrica will construct a hydrogen production plant on-site at Singleton Birch, which is expected to be operational by 2028. The facility will utilize electrolysis to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen, providing about 20% of the energy necessary for the company's lime kilns. This conversion is expected to significantly lower the consumption of natural gas, which has historically been an integral part of the lime production process.

Edward Arnott, technical director at Singleton Birch, highlighted the broader implications of this initiative, stating, "Carbon neutrality will require not only our own commitment to new strategies but also new technologies, supportive legislation, and appropriate infrastructure. Our partnership with Centrica and support from the UK government will help us to achieve ambitious goals for reducing our climate impact."

Broader Goals of MLC

Singleton Birch is not alone in its innovation efforts; MLC has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years toward sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, energy consumption, and waste. For instance, Singleton Birch is also focusing on restoring previously quarried land for beneficial use and is planning an eco-park as part of its sustainability strategy. Furthermore, the company has invested in upgrades to its anaerobic digesters, which generate renewable base energy for both its operations and the local grid.

In addition to hydrogen fuel development, Singleton Birch is exploring carbon capture technology—another critical area for achieving its sustainability targets. A separate MLC project on this front has garnered attention from the US Department of Energy, indicating the potential for replication and learnings applicable to other regions.

Conclusion

As Singleton Birch and Centrica forge ahead with their ambitious low-carbon lime project, the implications extend beyond just the production of lime. By integrating hydrogen technology and pursuing sustainability initiatives, they are setting a precedence for the industry and potentially paving the road toward a greener future. Their efforts serve as an inspiration in the fight against climate change, emphasizing the crucial role that technological innovation and strategic partnerships play in achieving sustainable outcomes.