Ryze Power has provided hydrogen and key infrastructure for two UK-first industrial trials, cementing its status as the leading fuel supplier in the low carbon energy sector.
More than four tonnes of hydrogen were supplied to Heidelberg Materials in a first-of-its-kind project to decarbonise asphalt production on an industrial scale at its plant in Mid Wales.
Ryze engineers also supported the installation of a hydrogen skid at the Criggion plant in Powys to facilitate efficient fuel delivery for the duration of the project – a key recipient of the UK Government’s Industrial Hydrogen Accelerator Programme funds.
In total, 4,522kg of hydrogen was used during the trial at Criggion, saving 25,105kg of CO₂. If scaled across the UK asphalt industry, savings could reach 450,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year. During the trial, hydrogen was used to replace liquid fossil fuels to produce more than 1,300 tonnes of asphalt, without any impact on the quality or performance of the material.
The project demonstrated hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels in asphalt production, achieving a 76 per cent reduction in Scope 1 (direct) emissions equating to a 23 per cent reduction in the overall carbon footprint of the asphalt produced.
In another first, Ryze successfully engineered, procured, installed and commissioned the hydrogen pressure reduction systems enabling Glass Futures to fire up to 100% hydrogen into its furnaces.
Commissioning the world’s first multi-fuel hybrid pilot-scale glass furnace involved several technical complexities, and this achievement has already attracted strong interest across the glass-making sector, government and the wider foundation industries.
Pratik Nayek, Head of Engineering and Projects for Ryze Power, reflected on these projects as proud moments for the organisation.
“We’re proud to play a part in shaping a more sustainable future for both the glass and asphalt industries,” he explained.
“Our achievements with Glass Futures mark a significant milestone in the decarbonisation journey of glass manufacturing and demonstrates our shared commitment to the energy transition and the path to net zero.
“Likewise, Heidelberg has proved that hydrogen will be a vital solution to decarbonise heavy industry where electrification is unsuitable and this successful demonstration is a major step forward.”
Justin Kelly, CEO of Glass Futures, said: “The successful completion of these trial programmes marks a crucial milestone not just for Glass Futures, but for the industry’s journey to net zero. We have demonstrated, at industrial scale, the technical viability of a number of alternative low-carbon fuel pathways that have never before been trialled in this way.”
