UK: Heidelberg Materials' Ribblesdale cement works in Lancashire is participating in a pioneering study to assess the use of ammonia as a hydrogen source for fuelling cement kilns. This 12-month feasibility project, conducted in collaboration with engineering consultants Stopford and Cranfield University, has received funding from Innovate UK through its UK Research and Innovation fund.

The research aims to investigate ammonia as a potentially energy-dense, cost-effective hydrogen carrier for cement manufacturing and other industries. Building on Ribblesdale's successful demonstration of using hydrogen in a net-zero fuel mix for a cement kiln, the new project will focus on the most efficient methods for on-site 'cracking' of ammonia to release hydrogen as kiln fuel.

Marian Garfield, Sustainability Director at Heidelberg Materials UK, said “We have already proved the success of using hydrogen as part of a lower carbon fuel mix, but its storage and transportation are currently technically challenging and expensive. Ammonia could offer a more viable hydrogen source that enhances fuel usage and reduces CO₂ emissions. If successful, this project will pave the way for further investigations into the commercial viability of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for combustion in cement production and beyond.”