Pottery manufacturer powers up vast new solar array

Denby Pottery has taken another big step towards achieving its net zero targets following the official switch-on off a new solar array.

Last year, the tableware manufacturer was granted planning permission to install the ground-mounted 2.1 MW array, delivered in partnership with on-site energy generation specialists YLEM Energy.

It is expected that the solar array will help reduce the firm’s carbon emissions by 475 tonnes a year.

In addition to the array, Denby is hatching plans to install a new solar PV installation at the Denby Pottery Visitor Centre car park, which would include electric vehicle charging points.

Dean Barlow, operations director at Denby Pottery, said: “We are very pleased that our new solar array is now online, and plan to extend our solar electricity generation facilities in the near future to further enhance our commitment to sustainability and continued carbon reduction.

“This is a major milestone in Denby’s journey to net zero.”

Denby has already implemented a number of measures and practices to help reduce its impact on the environment.

A recent recipient of the Housewares Sustainable Product of the Year Award, Denby holds ISO 14001, which means sustainability and the care of the environment form an integrated part of the production process and management decision making.

It already sends zero process waste to landfill, which already saves 600 tonnes of CO2 a year.

The firm still uses local clay, which uses minimum transportation and recycles any excess clay and glaze from its processes.

It also has its own water treatment plant to treat water from its processes ready for returning to the water course.

Now, Denby is set to reduce its environmental impact further through its new solar array.

The firm will be able to generate renewable energy onsite and export any excess, up to the available network capacity, through the National Grid via YLEM Energy’s Xchange platform.

Estimates suggest that Denby’s contribution to the grid will be between 200,000 and 350,000 kWh per year.

Ian Gadsby, managing director at YLEM Energy, said: “Denby Pottery is pioneering the way toward zero greenhouse gas emissions with its solar farm and new solar car port.

“It is absolutely right to deepen its commitment to sustainable energy sourcing on site, particularly in the context of both energy security and high energy costs.”