The glass industry is part of the energy-intensive industry posing a major challenge to fulfill the CO₂ reduction targets of the Paris Climate Agreement. The segments of the glass industry, are quite diverse and attribute to different glass products with different requirements to product quality and various process options. To address the challenge of decarbonizing the glass industry, decarbonization options are identified and structured according to fuel switch, waste heat recovery and process intensification. The different options are evaluated in terms of technology readiness level, CO₂ reduction potential and economic feasibility. Due to the high share of energy-related CO₂ emissions, electrical melting and hydrogen combustion, or a combination of both, are the most promising options to decarbonize the glass industry. However, further research, design adjustments and process improvements are necessary. Furthermore, electricity and hydrogen prices have to decrease or fossil fuels must become more expensive, to be cost-competitive relative to fossil fuels. In this context, appropriate electricity and hydrogen infrastructures should be developed.

This webinar session will be hosted by Michael Zier from Institut für Energie- und Klimaforschung (IEK).