Once produced, the hydrogen will be fed directly to hydrogen-ready boilers allowing the brewery to meet the thermal demand of its brewing processes, as well as it’s other heating requirements. It will also supply an on-site hydrogen refuelling station for use by hydrogen-ready heavy goods vehicles. These fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) only emit water vapour while filtering particulate out of the air as they move. The heat from the HPF will also be recovered and used in Budweiser’s bottling process.

Protium is now consulting with neighbours and stakeholders with a view to submitting a planning application for the development in spring 2023. Subject to planning permission, we are aiming for the hydrogen production facility to be operational by the end of 2025.

The facility (the electrolyser, associated plant and refuelling station) would cover an area similar in size to 1 and a half full-size football pitches.

The equipment on site has few moving parts, so very little noise is created by the technology. There is no odour pollution from the technology.

The best way to consider this is to compare green hydrogen to conventional fuel sources like petrol, diesel, and natural gas. While no fuel is 100 per cent safe, green hydrogen is considered safer than conventional fuels in many ways. It is not toxic or carcinogenic, so does not contaminate the environment. Vehicles that run on hydrogen fuels cells produce only water vapour, rather than emitting harmful exhaust emissions. Green hydrogen is an established technology and is regulated by the highest safety standards.

The build and operational costs of the project for Samlesbury Net Zero will be met by Protium, with the brewery entering a long-term green Hydrogen Energy Services Contract (HESCO™) with Protium to meet its future energy and fuel needs. This will help the brewery remain competitive throughout the global energy transition. Projects like this will help to achieve a more sustainable future for the whole brewing industry.

Net zero refers to the balancing of greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, that are produced by human activity and contribute to climate change. It is the point at which these greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere have been completely balanced by efforts to reduce and remove them. Budweiser Brewing Group wants to achieve net zero carbon emissions within its business and the government has set a target for the UK as a nation to get to net zero by 2050.