Kimberly-Clark UK & Ireland is set to make a significant shift in the way it powers its manufacturing processes. By 2027, the company aims to decrease its operational greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by more than 80% compared to levels in 2015. To achieve this, the company has turned to green hydrogen, partnering with Carlton Power and HYRO, a joint venture by Octopus Energy Generation and RES. This marks the first time a major consumer products company in the UK has signed long-term offtaker agreements for green hydrogen, a move that will impact the production of well-known brands such as Andrex and Kleenex.
In 2023, Kimberly-Clark’s sustainable practices received notable attention when it committed to a power purchase agreement for an onshore wind farm in Scotland. This £75 million project illustrates the company’s continuing commitment to renewable energy, as seen in their recent hydrogen initiative. Not only are these efforts advancing within the UK, but Kimberly-Clark’s broader strategy includes expanding its renewable energy usage across Europe and Africa, further emphasizing its sustainable direction.
What are the project specifics?
The collaboration with Carlton Power and HYRO involves an investment exceeding £125 million into establishing green hydrogen infrastructure at Kimberly-Clark’s sites in Kent and Cumbria. Both of these facilities, positioned in Northfleet and Barrow-in-Furness, collectively produce a substantial number of Andrex toilet rolls and Kleenex facial tissues annually. The anticipated 2027 shift from natural gas to green hydrogen for steam generation is expected to halve the current natural gas consumption across the UK production lines.
How will these projects impact carbon emissions?
Projected outcomes of these projects include an annual reduction of 28,500 tonnes in carbon emissions, facilitated by green hydrogen production levels of 100 GWh at Barrow and 47 GWh at Northfleet. This green hydrogen utilization forms part of the UK Government’s Hydrogen Allocation Round One (HAR1) scheme, with both projects receiving governmental backing through established support models.
Dan Howell, Vice President of Kimberly-Clark UK & Ireland, highlighted the timing of this shift by stating,
“Now is the right time for us to tap into [green] hydrogen’s significant potential, improving energy supply and our decarbonisation needs. We are delighted to be the first UK consumer goods manufacturer to really embrace green hydrogen…”
Furthermore, the projects have already secured planning approval, with respective consents granted in 2023 and anticipated in 2024.
Sarah Jones, the UK Minister for Industry, emphasized the broader implications of the hydrogen rollout by mentioning,
“This government is rolling out hydrogen at scale for the first time…”
This suggests the initiative aligns with the UK’s wider plans for reducing industrial emissions and revitalizing industrial regions.
Through its collaboration with leading firms, Kimberly-Clark is sending a message to the industry, demonstrating that integrating green hydrogen is feasible even for energy-intensive operations. This move not only underscores a commitment to reducing environmental impact but also shows an alignment with national policy goals for cleaner energy solutions.
