Hydrogen supply deal given go-ahead
Kimberly-ClarkA formal decision to proceed with a hydrogen project to reduce the amount of natural gas used in a tissue maker's production has been announced.
Kimberly-Clark, which produces Andrex and Kleenex, will receive hydrogen from the upcoming Carlton Power facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Schroders Greencoat and Carlton Power announced they had reached a final investment decision on the 30MW project which is expected to become operational in 2028.
Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, Michelle Scrogham, said construction will begin in the coming weeks.
Schroders Greencoat said it estimated the Kimberly-Clark Barrow site would reduce its consumption of natural gas by up to 50% with a reduction of 18,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Scrogham said about 200 workers would be employed in the construction phase, and 10 to 15 full-time roles were expected to be created once the facility was operational.
"Our unique geography and time-honoured manufacturing ability means we are becoming a senior player in the green energy transition which is driving investment and creating jobs for local communities in Cumbria and across the UK," she said.
Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks, said: "Barrow Green Hydrogen reaching this next step showcases the UK's thriving hydrogen industry.
"It will be crucial to ending our reliance on fossil fuels, driving investment and creating jobs for local communities in Cumbria and across the UK."
