In the relentless pursuit of decarbonisation, the glass manufacturing industry is gearing up for a carbon-neutral future by 2050. Eurotherm, under the umbrella of industrial technology company Watlow, is at the forefront of this movement, introducing innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in glass production. Mikael Le Guern, Global Glass Business Development Manager at Eurotherm, sheds light on a ground-breaking approach.
The installation of power boxes in proximity to furnace electrodes emerges as a game-changer, promising substantial benefits compared to conventional power system designs. Not only does this strategy align with broader industry and societal decarbonisation goals, but it also positions companies for enhanced operational efficiency and cost savings.
The imperative to decarbonise has sparked a surge in the demand for increased electrical boosting across global glass manufacturing facilities. For major glass production companies, recognising that the total carbon footprint is an amalgamation of emissions from all their plants worldwide has intensified the commitment to carbon reduction. Given the prolonged lifespan of furnaces, lasting between ten and 18 years before reconstruction, and limited greenfield projects on the horizon, the opportunities for implementing carbon-reducing solutions are scarce. Yet, when repairs are due, forward-thinking glass companies are already exploring options to curtail greenhouse gas emissions, with a particular focus on augmenting electrical boosting.
A notable trend in the industry is the universal exploration of carbon reduction strategies by all types of glass producers. While historical norms permitted small to medium-sized electrical boosting systems, the evolving landscape now demands systems exceeding ten megawatts (MW) and beyond. This paradigm shift extends across various glass production types, encompassing even float glass furnaces. In essence, Eurotherm’s pioneering advancements are steering the glass manufacturing sector towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. As the industry aligns with global decarbonisation objectives, these innovations underscore a commitment to environmental responsibility while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.
