Bodycote has achieved zero operational carbon emissions at its Derby and Rotherham facilities, marking a significant milestone in industrial decarbonization for the heat treatment sector. Both plants, which focus on heat treating turbine blades for Rolls-Royce engines, now operate fully on renewable electricity and no longer rely on fossil fuels. The transition has been completed without carbon offsetting.
The move positions Bodycote as the first major heat treatment provider to demonstrate near-term, measurable carbon reduction across critical manufacturing processes. The company’s global network, spanning over 100 sites, is pursuing energy efficiency improvements, electrification, on-site renewable energy, nitrogen gas generation, hydrogen electrolysis, and green methanol sourcing.
Innovations at the Derby site include a closed-circuit adiabatic cooling system that reduces electricity use by 73%, lowers water consumption by more than 85%, and eliminates chemical cleaning requirements. The facilities now serve as blueprint sites for a broader global decarbonisation programme, with further zero-emission sites expected to be announced.
Bodycote reports that energy intensity across its operations has dropped 27% since 2019, while associated carbon emissions have fallen by 29%. The company aims to achieve a 46% reduction in operational emissions by 2030. Customers can access lower-carbon heat treatment services without increased costs, extended lead times, or reduced capacity, with process emissions reductions of up to 60% demonstrated in specific scenarios.
The initiative aligns with UK industrial decarbonisation priorities, supporting regional low-carbon manufacturing networks and national climate targets.
