Pilkington UK, part of NSG Group, previously began purchasing hydrogen for combustion in the glass furnace. Now, the company plans to build a hydrogen plant.
Greengate Works will build a new hydrogen plant in St Helens. It is expected to supply the furnace with up to 7 tons of hydrogen. According to Pilkington's estimates, this will eliminate 15,000 tons of carbon from direct emissions annually. Greengate Works plans to start construction in 2025, aiming to decarbonize Pilkington UK and the surrounding industry by 2027.
In 2021, Pilkington UK conducted a hydrogen combustion test in a glass furnace and last year released Pilkington Mirai architectural glass, which contains 52% less carbon.
NSG Group has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.