UK brewery turns to hydrogen energy

Lancashire’s biggest brewery, Samlesbury, UK, in partnership with Protium, has announced plans to cut its carbon emissions by developing a green hydrogen energy production facility at the site.

The Samlesbury brewery, which has been in operation for over 50 years, will work towards cleaner air and reduced vehicle noise with heavy goods vehicles also being powered by hydrogen.

According to Protium, The Samlesbury Net Zero project, when operational, will save up to 11,000t of carbon dioxide each year. This is equivalent to taking 5,800 cars off the road, offsetting the emissions of 11,156 London to New York return flights, or planting 440,000 trees.

South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council both have an ambition for their own operations and activities to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The new facility would be built next to the brewery, which lies just off the A59 between Preston and Blackburn. The facility (the electrolyser, associated plant and refuelling station) would cover an area similar in size to one and a half full-size football pitches.

Protium is targeting the end of 2025 for it to be operational. A planning application for the project will be submitted in the coming spring following consultation with neighbours, the community, and other local stakeholders.

Protium plans to hold a series of consultation events with the community over the coming weeks and has created a dedicated website with key dates and information at www.samlesburynetzero.co.uk.

Samlesbury brewery produced its first beer in March 1972. It now employs around 350 staff and has the capacity to brew 295 million pints per year, making some of the nation’s most recognised beers including Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona.