Ameresco Partners with Kimberly-Clark UK for Groundbreaking Hydrogen Boiler Initiative
Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions, has been appointed as the Engineering Service Provider for Kimberly-Clark UK’s pioneering Green Hydrogen Program. This collaboration represents a major step forward for the consumer goods sector in the UK, as Kimberly-Clark becomes the first significant player in the industry to commit meaningfully to green hydrogen technology across its manufacturing operations. The project will focus on Kimberly-Clark’s production facilities in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and Northfleet, Kent, both of which are key manufacturing hubs for household brands such as Andrex® and Kleenex®.
The partnership will see Ameresco working closely with Kimberly-Clark throughout the design and construction phases of the project, which involves the installation of five new dual-fuel Hydrogen/Natural Gas Boilers across the two sites. These boilers are intended to be capable of running on green hydrogen while retaining the flexibility to use natural gas as a backup fuel. This dual-fuel approach is designed to ensure operational reliability while maximizing the environmental benefits of hydrogen adoption.
As part of the initiative, Ameresco will support the development of new boiler houses and the refurbishment of existing infrastructure to accommodate the dual-fuel technology. Additionally, the company will ensure the seamless integration of the boiler systems with the new Hydrogen Production Facilities, enabling a smooth and efficient flow of hydrogen to the boilers for operational use. The project is strategically designed to balance the technical requirements of hydrogen combustion with the practical needs of continuous manufacturing processes.
The dual-fuel hydrogen boilers are scheduled to become operational in 2027. Once fully deployed, they are expected to reduce natural gas consumption across the two facilities by approximately 50%, delivering a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Kimberly-Clark estimates that the project will cut around 28,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability and the decarbonisation of industrial operations.
Mark Apsey MBE, Senior Vice President at Ameresco, highlighted the importance of the project: “We are thrilled to partner with Kimberly-Clark on this groundbreaking initiative within the industrial sector. Hydrogen has a vital role to play in decarbonising industries that rely on moderate to high process temperatures. With Ameresco’s extensive experience in designing and delivering green energy solutions, we are ideally positioned to support Kimberly-Clark in implementing this innovative program.”
This collaboration signifies more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it reflects a strategic shift in the adoption of renewable technologies within the industrial sector. By investing in green hydrogen, Kimberly-Clark is taking a proactive approach to energy transition, demonstrating how large-scale consumer goods manufacturers can contribute to the UK’s net-zero targets. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to encourage low-carbon energy solutions and the development of hydrogen as a viable industrial fuel.
In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the project will also enhance operational resilience. The dual-fuel system provides a reliable energy supply, ensuring continuous production even in scenarios where hydrogen availability may be limited. This flexibility is critical for manufacturing facilities that operate on tight schedules and cannot afford interruptions due to fuel constraints. Ameresco’s engineering expertise will be crucial in designing a system that balances sustainability, efficiency, and operational reliability.
The deployment of hydrogen boilers in consumer goods manufacturing is a relatively new development in the UK, where hydrogen technology has traditionally been associated with heavy industry and energy-intensive processes. Kimberly-Clark’s commitment sets a precedent for other companies in the sector, demonstrating that green hydrogen can be successfully integrated into manufacturing operations beyond the traditional energy-heavy industries.
The project will also contribute to the growing UK hydrogen economy by creating demand for green hydrogen production and distribution. This initiative supports the development of local supply chains and strengthens the industrial adoption of hydrogen, further driving innovation and investment in the country’s renewable energy landscape.
Furthermore, this collaboration reflects a broader trend of industrial decarbonisation strategies that combine energy efficiency improvements with the adoption of renewable fuels. By integrating hydrogen technology with existing natural gas systems, Kimberly-Clark and Ameresco are creating a scalable model for other manufacturers seeking to reduce emissions without compromising production capabilities.
For Kimberly-Clark, this project is part of a long-term sustainability strategy aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its operations while maintaining high standards of product quality and operational efficiency. By adopting green hydrogen, the company is demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship, aligning its operations with the expectations of stakeholders, regulators, and consumers who increasingly prioritize sustainability in purchasing decisions.
Ameresco’s role as Engineering Service Provider is pivotal to the success of the program. The company will leverage its expertise in project design, construction management, and energy systems integration to deliver a state-of-the-art hydrogen boiler system that meets stringent performance, safety, and environmental standards. The collaboration underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing low-carbon technologies and highlights the critical role of engineering innovation in achieving ambitious decarbonisation goals.
As the UK continues to prioritize the adoption of clean energy solutions, projects such as the Kimberly-Clark Green Hydrogen Program serve as benchmarks for industrial decarbonisation. By combining engineering expertise with corporate sustainability commitments, this initiative exemplifies how the private sector can lead the transition to a net-zero future, while also delivering tangible operational and environmental benefits.
