Brunner Mond’s green energy plans

NORTH West chemicals manufacturer Brunner Mond has revealed early-stage plans to invest in a sustainable energy plant.

The company, owned by Indian group Tata, has submitted a ‘scoping report’ to the Department for Energy as the first step toward the new facility, which is likely to be at the plant in Lostock, Cheshire, on the site of a disused power station.

The plant will be developed and operated with energy company E.ON and will provide about a third of the energy required by the sites, producing up to 60 MW of electricity and 100 tonnes of steam per hour. 

It will use solid fuel derived from biomass (plant-derived material) and pre-treated waste supplied from waste-treatment facilities in the North West and further afield.  Fuel would be transported to Brunner Mond by rail and road.

A company statement said: “We see this as an important development for the company. Securing a sustainable and affordable energy source is a key strategic imperative for our business.

“This project is a potential key investment in securing our long term future.”

Brunner Mond, which was founded in Northwich in 1873, manufactures the chemical sodium carbonate – known as soda ash – a key ingredient in the glass making process. It has also expanded into manufacturing sodium bicarbonate, which has a host of uses in the environmental, medical, food and farming sectors

The company, which employs 500 people at two sites in Northwich, has launched an in-depth public consultation with local people.

In January, chief executive John Kerrigan told TheBusinessDesk that £18m was being invested on an energy efficiency programme.