Successful Hydrogen Kiln Open Day

This initiative has been made possible through £6 million in funding awarded to Ceramics UK by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, via Phase 2 of the Industrial Fuel Switching Phase 2 Competition. This funding forms part of the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), which provides funding for low-carbon technologies and systems and aims to decrease the costs of decarbonisation helping enable the UK to end its contribution to climate change. With this funding, Ceramics UK aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using hydrogen as a clean fuel source in ceramic kilns, contributing to the industry’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.

Held at the Glass Futures site, the exclusive event provided attendees with an in-depth overview of the project’s objectives, progress, and key achievements. Participants were able to tour the pilot kiln and Glass Futures site, gaining a detailed understanding of its design and the technology that will enable future 100% hydrogen firing.

“We are thrilled to have shared this significant milestone with our members and industry stakeholders,” said Dr  Andrew McDermott, Deputy Chief Executive of Ceramics UK and project lead. “The opportunity to tour the pilot kiln and understand its capabilities, made possible through vital government funding, is a crucial step towards demonstrating the viability of hydrogen as a clean energy source for the ceramics industry. This project is a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions and ensuring a sustainable future for the UK ceramics sector.”

Building on the success of this event, Ceramics UK will soon announce details of a second event, providing further opportunities for industry engagement and project updates.