Muntons
Advancing Industrial Decarbonisation with an Innovative Low-Carbon Energy Centre
Key Facts
15,500
tonnes of CO₂ savings per year
Fully funded
biomass energy centre
14MW
biomass boiler and gas CHP system with waste heat recovery
Long-term
agreement reduces exposure to volatile energy prices
- Industrial Decarbonisation
Achieving Science-Based Targets Through Bioenergy Innovation
Muntons, a leading malt manufacturer, is driving forward industrial decarbonisation with the development of a fully funded bioenergy energy centre at its Stowmarket plant. This collaboration with AMP represents a significant step toward achieving Muntons’ ambitious science-based targets, which include a 45% reduction in emissions by 2025—five years ahead of schedule—and achieving Net Zero by 2030.
The Vision
Muntons needed a sustainable solution to decarbonise its heat, steam, and electricity requirements at its Stowmarket site. This initiative was critical to Muntons’ “Practical Sustainability” ethos, which includes:
Achieving science-based emissions reduction targets
Transitioning away from fossil fuels
Ensuring energy cost stability and long-term predictability
The project contributes to Muntons’ goal of achieving 60% carbon savings across all its UK malting sites, including Bridlington, keeping them at the forefront of sustainability in the malt production industry.
Key challenges included:
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Deadlines: The energy centre needed to be completed on time to meet critical regulatory requirements.
COVID-19 Impacts: Pandemic-related disruptions added complexity to project execution.
Integration Complexity: Linking the energy centre’s biomass system with existing infrastructure required innovative solutions.
Despite these hurdles, AMP Clean Energy, Muntons, and Vital Energi successfully delivered the project on time and within budget.
The Solution
AMP’s solution at Muntons includes a fully funded biomass energy centre that decarbonises 100,000,000 kWh of heat demand annually.
Key components include:
14MW Biomass Boiler: Locally sourced biomass fuel powers this boiler, reducing carbon emissions and supporting local forestry economies.
Gas CHP System: This system simultaneously produces heat and electricity, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Waste Heat Recovery: Excess heat is captured and reused, improving energy efficiency across the site.
Long-Term Energy Supply Agreement: This ensures predictable and stable energy costs, protecting Muntons from market fluctuations.
Through these technologies, Muntons has achieved an efficient, sustainable energy solution that aligns with both operational and environmental goals.
The Results
15,500 tonnes of CO₂ saved annually—equivalent to the emissions of over 8,000 homes.
45% emissions reduction target achieved ahead of schedule.
Net Zero by 2030—accelerating decarbonisation by 20 years.
Reliable, cost-effective renewable energy.
Leadership in Sustainable Malt Production
AMP’s funding and operation of the energy centre have been pivotal in decarbonising Muntons’ operations, setting a new standard for sustainability in malt production.
“The science-based targets for manufacturing are to reduce carbon emissions by 57% by 2050. We aim to be far more ambitious and are on track to reduce emissions by 45% by 2025. Crucial to us hitting this target is installing biomass heating at both of our UK malting sites. Working collaboratively with specialists AMP means we will confidently hit our ambitious decarbonisation targets and continue to deliver on our mantra of ‘Practical Sustainability’.”
Muntons
Awards
Winner
Heat & Efficiency Project
Finalist
Net Zero Carbon Strategy
Highly Commended
Project Award
