Sussex-based Hepworth Brewery is ramping up its long-standing sustainability drive by becoming the first business in the UK to trial a pioneering new heat pump which can cut carbon emissions by up to 90%.
The Greensteam heat pump from Futraheat cost-effectively recovers low grade waste vapour from the brewing process and delivers it back as steam with a temperature of 130oC – far higher than most heat pumps, which typically deliver hot water up to around 80oC. This is the first time a steam-generating heat pump has been installed in the UK.
Initially operating on just the boil stage of brewing at Hepworth Brewery, the heat pump could, if rolled out across the brewery, replace the oil boiler completely, enabling the brewer to cut carbon emissions by up to 90% and reduce its fuel costs by around 40%.
The new heat pump is the latest in a long line of sustainability measures undertaken by Hepworth Brewery, which is on track to fulfil its ambition of becoming 85% carbon neutral by the end of 2025.
Later this year, it is installing an ‘industriWASE’ anaerobic digester, which converts the organic matter in wastewater into biomethane, a renewable energy source. It expects to eventually treat 7,800 cubic metres of wastewater a year and save over 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Hepworth Brewery chairman Andy Hepworth said: “Sustainability has driven the way we do business from Day 1 and the heat pump, if successful in trial, will be an important next step on our journey to carbon neutrality. With heat such a vital part of the brewing process, finding a solution that delivers the heat we need, while also cutting our emissions and costs, promises to be transformational.
“Futraheat and WASE are both pioneers in sustainable technology and we are delighted to be partnering with them to realise our shared ambitions for a cleaner, lower carbon future.”
Other sustainability initiatives at Hepworth Brewery include installing solar panels; using reed beds to clean its low-grade effluent; taking heat from beer chillers to heat the brewery offices, shop and tap room and installing rain recovery equipment, with the water used for cleaning. The brewer also strives to minimise its food miles by sourcing barley and hops as locally as possible.
New branding promotes sustainability credentials
At the same time, Hepworth Brewery is introducing a new logo and strapline of ‘great beer, naturally’ to encapsulate its ethos of brewing great-tasting beer from natural, high quality ingredients, while continually striving to become a more sustainable brewer.
Hepworth added: “All brands evolve over time and it became clear that we needed a new strapline. ‘Great beer, naturally’ really gets to the core of what Hepworth Brewery is all about and will help us to communicate more effectively to all our audiences.”
UK’s first steam-generating high temperature heat pump
The Futraheat heat pump installed at Hepworth Brewery is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. Key to its operation is a novel, patented compressor, known as the TurboClaw, which sits at the heart of the Greensteam system and can boost temperatures by up to 60 degrees.
Futraheat CEO Tom Taylor says: “Heat is a major component of a huge range of industrial processes, and vast amounts of it are delivered by steam. Until now, heat pumps have been both unaffordable and unable to deliver heat at the temperature that industry requires.
“This project with Hepworth demonstrates the technology can now be implemented within a brewery. We’re confident it can then be rolled out across a range of industries, in the UK and worldwide.”
