The effects of the climate crisis have had a major influence on the economic choices of companies, which is why hydrogen is considered a powerful ally in the decarbonisation of a sector such as the glass industry.
The European Union’s climate strategy calls for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and, consequently, has set itself the goal of developing technologies where clean hydrogen is the key element.
What specifically is the role of this energy carrier?
The role of hydrogen in the decarbonisation of glassworks
Hydrogen can play an important role in the decarbonisation of glassworks and replace fossil fuels in glass production by eliminating numerous greenhouse gas emissions.
In particular, glass production requires high temperatures to melt the raw materials to be used. To conduct this process, fossil fuels are burned, which release large amounts of carbon emissions.
How can hydrogen be incorporated into this process?
Hydrogen from renewable sources can be used in glass production to:
- prevent undesirable reactions such as oxidation
- improve efficiency in cutting and polishing applications
- for heat treatment, melting and softening of glass
With a view to making these industries more sustainable, hydrogen can be used as a fuel for heating furnaces in the glass production process.
How? By replacing fossil fuels that are used to power the melting furnaces. In this way, the glass industry can significantly reduce its carbon emissions.
The importance of hydrogen in an energy-intensive sector like glassmaking
As we all know, the glass industry is one of those energy-intensive industries, and hydrogen represents a major challenge to meet the CO2 emission reduction targets of the Paris Climate Agreement.
In fact, several states are introducing stricter regulations on carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors.
Hydrogen in the glass production sector can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with combustion. In addition, it can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the glass industry. As a result, this change may favour low-emission glass production.
It must be remembered, however, that the use of hydrogen as a fuel requires adequate investment in infrastructure and technology.
Simplifhy solutions for the glass sector
Simplifhy welcomes the initiation of concrete projects by industrial companies to find a solution to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors and, in this case, the glass industry.
As the first Italian supplier of hydrogen-based solutions, we have a complete and customised offer that includes consulting for the design and implementation of ‘custom-made‘ hydrogen systems, designed to meet the specific needs of each customer.
Simplifhy is able to support you in all phases necessary for the realisation of your hydrogen system:
- project pre-feasibility and feasibility study
- development of detailed engineering
- requesting the necessary authorisations and dealing with bureaucratic procedures.
Contact us for more information.
