AMP Clean Energy to install low-carbon energy centre for UK maltster
The initiative will see the firm save 15.5 thousand tonnes of carbon per annum at its plant in Stowmarket, Suffolk. The energy centre will include a 14 MW biomass boiler and a gas CHP system and will decarbonise 100,000,000 kWh of heat demand annually, equivalent to decarbonising the heat of more than 8,000 homes.
Muntons is a signatory to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Stowmarket project will allow it to hit its science-based targets, which are to reduce emissions by 45% (based on 2010 levels) by 2025.
Richard Burrell, CEO of AMP Clean Energy, said: “This is a ground-breaking project for several reasons. It will not only deliver significant sustainability benefits for Muntons, enabling it to hit its science-based targets ahead of deadline, it also embodies the ‘build back better’ ethos of the green recovery.
“The COVID-19 crisis saw many businesses put major sustainability investments on hold – this project was not only incubated during a global pandemic, it is now in build and due to come online next April.
“It is a perfect example of the kind of project that is made possible under the current non-domestic RHI, which is due to close for new projects in just seven months’ time.
“The decarbonisation of heat is one of the UK’s biggest challenges, so if we are to hit net-zero by 2050, we urgently need clarity from the government on a successor scheme, to ensure more projects like this are possible.”
Commissioning is targeted by April 2021. AMP Clean Energy is also responsible for providing the biomass fuel for the boiler, which will come from UK-sourced virgin wood supply, which has been facilitated by AW Jenkinson Forest Products. Vital Energi is acting as main contractor for the project.
“Muntons is recognised as a leader in sustainability projects and we are proud of our reputation as the greenest maltster in the world,” said Mark Tyldesley, group managing director at Muntons.
“Through our focus on carbon reduction we have already cut greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter over the past 10 years, exceeding the climate change levy.
“The science-based targets for manufacturing are to reduce carbon emissions by 57% by 2050. We aim to be far more ambitious and are on track to already reduce emissions by 45% by 2025.
“Crucial to us hitting this target is installing biomass heating at both of our UK malting sites. Working collaboratively with AMP Clean Energy means we will confidently hit our ambitious decarbonisation targets and continue to deliver on our mantra of ‘practical sustainability’.”