Fabweld Steel Products (FSP), a leading UK drainage solutions provider, has taken a major step toward sustainability with a £500,000 investment in onsite nitrogen generation powered by expanded solar capacity. The Telford-based firm’s new Nitrocube 3 system will eliminate more than 40 annual gas deliveries from Oxfordshire while being primarily fueled by 180kWP of rooftop solar panels. This dual approach cuts both operational costs and carbon emissions from FSP’s precision laser cutting operations, which traditionally required significant nitrogen supplies.
The sustainability initiative extends beyond nitrogen production, with surplus solar energy charging EV forklifts and powering high-speed vehicle chargers at FSP’s Midlands facility. Managing Director Wayne Carter revealed plans to further expand renewable capacity with integrated battery storage, creating a self-sufficient energy ecosystem. “We’re generating nitrogen reserves during sunlit weekends when energy production exceeds demand,” Carter explained, noting the system positions FSP to increase production by 70% while maintaining environmental commitments. The company aims to achieve full energy independence, a rare feat in the traditionally power-intensive steel fabrication sector.
FSP’s green transformation comes as major infrastructure projects increasingly demand sustainable supply chains. From access covers beneath Cannes’ red carpet to specialist panels in London’s power tunnels, the manufacturer is leveraging its environmental credentials to secure contracts. Carter emphasized the company’s comprehensive approach: “We’re accounting for embedded carbon in our equipment to ensure genuine net zero progress by 2030.” This commitment extends beyond regulatory requirements, with FSP implementing measures like electric fleet conversion that exceed industry norms for similarly sized businesses. The strategy not only reduces environmental impact but creates cost savings that can be passed to clients seeking greener procurement options.
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