UK Secures Funding for World's First Commercial-Scale Hydrogen-Fired Brick Kiln

Wienerberger UK & Ireland has received government-backed funding through the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund to convert its Denton brickworks in Greater Manchester to hydrogen-fired production, creating the world's first commercial-scale hydrogen-fired brick manufacturing facility.

The project involves retrofitting two existing tunnel kilns, replacing 224 natural gas-powered burners with hydrogen-compatible systems. Work also includes installing new hydrogen supply infrastructure and upgrading electrical and control systems while preserving the kilns' structural integrity.

Green hydrogen will be supplied via a 15-year agreement with Trafford Green Hydrogen, delivered through tube trailers to an on-site offloading facility. Wienerberger targets one kiln operational on hydrogen—or both partially converted—by autumn 2027, with full site-wide transition to 100 percent hydrogen firing beginning in autumn 2028.

Once fully operational, the conversion is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 11,600 tonnes annually, representing a 9 percent reduction in the company's Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Testing through a UK Government-backed research programme led by Ceramics UK confirmed the transition will not affect brick strength, appearance, or technical performance.

The project aligns with Wienerberger's net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050 and demonstrates a scalable model for decarbonising industrial heat processes across the ceramics sector.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Central. Read the full article →