Germany's Glass Industry Hits Hurdles in Adopting Green Hydrogen

Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--German-based companies, like SCHOTT, and research institutes, like German Glass Industry Association (BV Glas) and the Essen Gas and Heat Institute (GWI), are seeking ways to reduce carbon emissions in the energy-intensive glass-manufacturing process, in which natural gas is the dominant source. Industrial Info is tracking 55 active and planned projects in the German glass-manufacturing sector, totaling more than US$400 million in value.

The Paris Agreement calls for emissions to be reduced 45% by 2030. Recent studies show hydrogen is one of the most promising candidates in the energy transition. But simulations show the use of hydrogen only has a moderate impact on combustions, as the furnace's room temperature and heat transmission remain more or less constant.

However, the use of green hydrogen may lead to higher NOx emissions and unintended changes in glass quality, including discoloration. SCHOTT has conducted its tests using gray hydrogen, as green hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energies, is not yet available in sufficient quantities to conduct these tests. Two key factors are missing: an extensive infrastructure for (industrial) hydrogen supply and a sufficient expansion of renewable energy.

SCHOTT also is preparing to begin construction on a low-carbon glass-production plant in Mainz, Germany, to test hydrogen-natural gas-blends in large-scale melting trials. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Metals & Minerals Project and Plant databases can learn more in a detailed project report and plant profile.

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Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) platform helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking more than 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 trillion (USD).