Forterra states that its work to decarbonise brickmaking is set to enter a new phase, as plans for the East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline — set to pass near the manufacturer’s Kirton brickworks — pave the way for an expansion of its hydrogen-fuel trials beyond its Measham factory.
The infrastructure boost comes after two years of successful testing, positioning Forterra to scale its low-carbon ambitions at a time of growing regional and national momentum around sustainability.
During the East Midlands Hydrogen Summit, Cadent announced plans for the East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline (ECHP), which will connect major hydrogen production sites in North Nottinghamshire and the Humber to key energy-intensive manufacturers across the East Midlands, including areas close to Forterra’s Kirton brickworks. The proposed pipeline represents a major step forward for industrial decarbonisation in the region, providing a potential future supply of low-carbon hydrogen to support trials like those already underway at Forterra’s Measham site.
Over the past two years Forterra has moved beyond its initial 20% hydrogen blend, gathering extensive data on how hydrogen can decarbonise its brick-firing process without compromising product quality. Trials to date show that hydrogen can be introduced in staged blends with natural gas, starting at five per cent and rising to 20%, all while maintaining the renowned texture, durability and colour of Forterra bricks.
“Cutting our carbon emissions is central to our mission, but we need to make sure we’re not compromising on the quality of the products we’re producing,” said David Manley, Head of Sustainability at Forterra. “Hydrogen is emerging as the most effective option for reaching our long-term decarbonisation targets, ahead of alternatives such as electrification or biomass.”
Using existing kiln equipment as a control variable, Forterra increased hydrogen volumes incrementally to pinpoint how much hydrogen could be used effectively. At the highest tested blend of 20%, there was no impact on colour, consistency or performance. Careful monitoring of oxygen levels ensured the distinctive red hue of Desford bricks and the buff tones of Measham bricks remained unchanged.
Partnering with Air Products, Forterra adapted its legacy kilns with on-site hydrogen storage and precise pressure- and flow-regulation systems, proving the 20% blend is fully compatible with equipment that typically has a 25- to 40-year lifespan and avoiding the significant carbon cost of kiln replacement.
Encouraged by these results, Forterra is now preparing further pilots on smaller kilns with hydrogen blends approaching 100%. If successful, operating a kiln entirely on hydrogen could reduce carbon emissions from that site by 40–45%, with additional mobile-plant fuel-cell adoption offering a total potential reduction of around 55%.
The hydrogen trials align with the company’s broader commitment to achieving its ambitious environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets. This commitment is reflected in the manufacturer’s other developments and investments made over the past year, including a solar farm, and a brick waste stream upcycled into calcined clay.
With the East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline now on the horizon, Forterra say it is well placed to scale these efforts and help shape the industry’s low-carbon future.
