Global flat glass manufacturers AGC and Saint-Gobain have announced the creation of a hybrid pilot furnace for flat glass production. This innovation significantly reduces direct CO₂ emissions. As part of the Volta research project, AGC’s patterned glass production line in the Czech Republic was halted for a “cold repair,” involving the complete cooling and shutdown of the furnace. The new furnace is planned to be operational by early 2025.
Following the reconstruction, the medium-sized furnace will operate 50% on electrification and the other 50% through oxygen-gas combustion. According to AGC, over its first ten years of operation, the furnace will help reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 193,000 tons. This is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by 920,000 trees over a decade. Additionally, the production will use 100% recycled glass, further enhancing the project’s environmental impact.
The AGC plant in the Czech Republic produces approximately 90 tons of glass per day. The company notes that the new technologies can be scaled up for larger facilities with capacities of 600–800 tons per day and extended to other production sites across Europe.
The partners believe that Volta can contribute to the decarbonization of the construction and automotive industries while maintaining the competitiveness of Europe’s flat glass industry.
The Volta research project received funding from the European.
Photo: AGC Glass Europe
Volta project: cold repair
AGC and Saint-Gobain are accelerating the decarbonization of the flat glass industry
ID no: 23462
Dec 17, 2024
