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

Wienerberger UK & Ireland has received funding through the UK Government's Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IEFT) to support a £6 million conversion programme at its Denton brickworks in Greater Manchester. The project will retrofit two tunnel kilns, replacing 224 natural gas-powered burners with hydrogen-firing infrastructure.

The initiative will transition the facility to operate on 100% green hydrogen, establishing Denton as the world's first commercial-scale hydrogen-fired brick plant. The retrofit includes installation of new hydrogen supply infrastructure, electrical upgrades, and control system modifications while preserving existing kiln structures.

Hydrogen will be supplied via tube trailers under a 15-year agreement with Trafford Green Hydrogen—a joint venture between Carlton Power and Schroders Greencoat—delivered to an onsite offloading and pressure reduction station. One kiln is targeted to become fully operational by Autumn 2027, with complete transition across both kilns scheduled for Autumn 2028.

The conversion is projected to reduce CO₂ emissions at the site by over 11,600 tonnes annually, representing a 9% reduction in Wienerberger Limited's total Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Testing through a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero-funded research programme confirmed that brick strength, appearance, and technical performance will remain unchanged.

Onsite staff will receive training on new safety systems and operational procedures. The project forms part of Wienerberger's broader decarbonization strategy and demonstrates a replicable model for the UK ceramics sector.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Central. Read the full article →