Nippon Gases to start construction of major CO2 plant in the UK
Nippon Gases UK & Ireland, part of Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation will build a new 600TPD liquid CO2 plant and shipping terminal in Saltend, East Yorkshire, which will be supplied with raw CO2 from Vivergo Fuels.
Nippon Gases’ announcement to build a major CO2 plant in Saltend, East Yorkshire, is a major step forward in addressing the recurring CO2 shortages that have plagued the UK since the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The investment underlines the company's commitment to reducing supply chain vulnerabilities and ensuring a steady supply of CO2 to the UK and Ireland.
The strategic agreement with Vivergo Fuels for the supply of raw CO2 and utilities lays the foundations for an integrated approach to CO2 capture and liquefaction. By capturing and utilising the CO2 emitted during the fermentation process at Vivergo, Nippon Gases will produce Bio CO2, thereby enhancing the sustainability of its operations.
In addition to addressing supply chain stability, Nippon Gases is committed to moving away from ammonia-based, fossil fuel-derived CO2, which is primarily sourced from natural gas. Instead, the new plant will focus on producing CO2 from bioethanol, derived from crops. This shift not only ensures a cleaner, renewable source of CO2 but also significantly improves the quality of the product. Bioethanol-based CO2 is a cleaner alternative, aligning with Nippon Gases’ commitment to environmental sustainability.
The partnership ensures a reliable, local source of raw CO2, reducing dependence on European imports. The collaboration not only enhances supply chain stability but also significantly decreases the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Integrating the new liquefaction plant with Vivergo's bioethanol production facility optimises resource use, creating a more sustainable and efficient CO2 capture process. This localised approach to CO2 sourcing aligns with broader industry trends towards reducing emissions and promoting circular economy principles in industrial gas production.
Expected to be operational early 2026, the plant represents a significant milestone in strengthening the UK's national CO2 capacity, thereby increasing the country's resilience to future supply disruptions. In addition, by using renewable CO2 production methods, Nippon Gases is reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
Nippon Gases’ investment in the CO2 plant is a strategic response to the challenges posed by recurring supply shortages, and maintains the company position as the key player in ensuring the stability and security of CO2 supply chains in the UK and Ireland.
Carl Woollins, Managing Director of Nippon Gases UK & Ireland, said: “We are excited to announce the launch of our new CO2 liquefaction plant. This significant development will bolster the resilience of the CO2 market in the UK, ensuring we maintain the highest product quality while enhancing the market’s sustainability.”
About Nippon Gases UK & Ireland
Nippon Gases UK & Ireland specialises in the reliable supply of CO2 and is a leading marketer and distributor of diving, industrial, welding and speciality gases as well as dry ice. They also provide installation and maintenance of gas-related equipment, tailored to the individual needs of our customers. With over 100 years of experience, they have a proud history in industrial gases from Hydro to Yara and now Nippon Gases.
In the UK & Ireland, they have over 150 employees, three CO2 terminals, one CO2 filling station, sales offices and three dry ice production plants. Safety is their number one priority! All their production and customer facilities meet the highest standards of safety and quality at all stages.
Nippon Gases are committed to providing a positive customer experience by delivering high quality products and services in support of their Nippon Sanso Holdings Group slogan, "The Gas Professionals"
More information: co2.uk@nippongases.com
About Vivergo Fuels
Vivergo Fuels was initially formed in 2007 as a joint venture between AB Sugar, BP and Du Pont to create a biofuels business for the future. In 2015 and 2017, AB Sugar acquired BP and Du Pont’s share to become the sole shareholder of Vivergo Fuels.
In simple terms, they take feed-grade wheat grown locally wherever possible and process it – with virtually no waste – into bioethanol (a green transport fuel mixed with regular petrol at the pump) and protein-rich animal feed for cows (and other animals, too). Most of the feed wheat used by Vivergo will have been grown in the local area wherever possible.
Vivergo employs 120 highly skilled people to drive their business and make them one of Europe's leading biofuels and animal feed producers. Their supply chain supports employment and the economy throughout the local Humber region.
More information: +44 (0)1482 700800