Fabweld Steel Products (FSP), a leader in drainage solutions, is taking a significant step toward reducing costs and environmental impact by investing in onsite nitrogen generation. The company’s latest move involves the installation of a Nitrocube 3 nitrogen generator, designed to meet all of FSP’s nitrogen needs directly on-site and eliminate the need for over 40 bulk gas deliveries annually.
This new system is part of FSP’s broader £500,000 sustainability initiative, which also includes an extensive expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at its Midlands facility. The investment underscores FSP’s commitment to becoming one of the UK’s most eco-friendly supply chain partners.
The Nitrocube 3, powered by the factory’s solar PV array, aims to reduce carbon emissions by eliminating the necessity for frequent nitrogen deliveries from Oxfordshire. The company’s solar system, which currently consists of 180 kWp of panels, meets 60% of its annual power needs. Plans are in place to further expand this system with additional solar generation and battery storage to exclusively support the nitrogen generator.
Managing Director Wayne Carter, leading the company’s net zero ambitions, emphasized the dual benefits of the new system. “Not only are we significantly reducing our carbon footprint by eliminating up to three nitrogen deliveries per week, but we are also leveraging our solar PV investment to power the generator,” Carter said. “This initiative will help us lower costs, which we can pass on to our clients, and support a 70% increase in our production capacity while remaining self-sufficient for nitrogen gas.”
The sustainability efforts extend beyond nitrogen generation. FSP’s current solar power system also supports two high-speed electric vehicle chargers and recharges the company’s electric forklift truck. The company aims to further attract contracting partners who are focused on sustainable practices in construction and civil engineering.
FSP’s products, including specialized access panels used in the London Power Tunnels and covers beneath the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, are now part of a greener operation. Carter noted that while FSP is making substantial strides, the company acknowledges the ‘embedded carbon’ associated with the manufacture and delivery of their solar panels and nitrogen generator. He assured that FSP is diligently gathering data to account for this embedded carbon as part of their Net Zero 2030 strategy.
Carter concluded, “Our approach to sustainability is a continuous journey. We are committed to thoroughly examining every aspect of our operations and implementing measures that go beyond legislative requirements. This commitment not only benefits the environment but also aligns with our clients’ growing demand for greener supply chains.”