mHycoprotein Project

The UK Food & Drink sector consumes circa 24TWh of energy annually, accounting for around 9 million tonnes of CO2 or 1% of all UK [emissions][0]. Approximately 80% of the direct emissions from food manufacturing result from high heat requirements from drying, baking and evaporation operations.

The mHycoprotein Project focuses on delivering significant emissions reductions to the food and beverage sector through the use of green hydrogen. The feasibility study will investigate deploying dual fuel boilers at Quorn's main manufacturing site near Billingham to meet the facility's growing heating requirements.

Quorn is a meat alternative company that uses fermentation to extract mycoprotein from a naturally occurring fungus, resulting in 90% lower carbon footprint compared to alternative meat products. As part of Quorn's mandate to achieve net zero GHG emissions at all manufacturing sites by 2030\. The results of the study could be used to decarbonise heating operations at other food manufacturing facilities across the UK.

Protium, a UK green hydrogen developer will lead the overall project and will be supported by Petrofac, an engineering company that will undertake detailed technical feasibility work, and Quorn, who will provide information about the site's processes.

The mHycoprotein feasibility study is an important step towards demonstrating the commercial and technical viability of hydrogen boilers at a food manufacturing facility, which could pave the way for additional installations across the UK.

[0]: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/651970/food-and-drink-decarbonisation-action-plan.pdf