Summary of the Challenge
South Yorkshire is home to major manufacturers in the foundation industries. Their economic output is valuable to the region but they are also a significant contributor to our energy consumption and carbon emissions. They require significant energy inputs to achieve the high temperatures needed to manufacture products such as steel, brick and glass. Decarbonising these industries is a challenge we must face to meet our net-zero targets.
These industries have established manufacturing processes and requirements to meet product quality standards. The challenge is to find ways to substitute fossil fuel for reliable, low carbon energy inputs and increase overall energy efficiency whilst still producing high quality end products that meet the needs and expectations of customers.
Replacing fuel sources can fundamentally alter the manufacturing process and the properties and quality of the products produced. For instance, glass manufacturing processes rely on the ability to judge temperature by the colour of the flame. Hydrogen fuelled heat sources don't produce a visible flame, which poses challenges to current manufacturing processes. Moreover, the changes required for each industry will be bespoke, meaning that there is no one size fits all approach.
Our Response
This project will investigate the decarbonisation options for two heavy industries in South Yorkshire. It will look at the effects of changing to a green fuel source or electrification will have on a manufacturer's systems and processes through two case studies.
This requires a granular investigation of the whole industrial process to understand what the implications are at each step. For example, we know using hydrogen to power the brick manufacturing process would change the heat properties within the kiln. A case study approach will analyse the changes needed to kilns as well as adaptations needed for the rest of the process.
The project will produce recommendations for the two industries chosen for study, which will also take into account the surrounding energy infrastructure required (i.e. grid capacity or hydrogen production and storage).
