Great minds come together for glass-focussed waste heat recovery day

More than 40 specialists across the glass industry, academia and policy took part in a British Glass knowledge transfer seminar about waste heat recovery technologies. 

More than 40 specialists across the glass industry, academia and policy took part in a British Glass knowledge transfer seminar about waste heat recovery technologies last week  –  exploring its potential to help the sector achieve economic and environmental benefits.

Presentations from global waste heat recovery (WHR) technology providers Zippe, Air Liquide, Area Impianti, PraxAir and Heliex were given alongside information about uses of waste heat, policy and funding.

Mark Pudner, British Glass Senior Technical Adviser said:

"This event gave people a convenient forum to look at the whole range of options, compare notes and learn from each other. It’s part of our ongoing work with members to help the industry get the best from this technology."

By covering a wide range of options with an expert group, this event set out to help companies quickly and conveniently focus their attention on the most feasible solutions.

David Burns, Energy Manager at Encirc said:

“The presentations were good, and there really was information going both ways because we were asking some tough questions. Ultimately we want to understand all aspects of waste heat recovery so glass manufacturers can determine the best fit for their organisation.”

British Glass and its members are currently working with the UK Government to finalise a voluntary action plan for reducing glass industry CO2 emissions and energy consumption – as one of the eight industries involved in the Decarbonisation and Energy Efficiency Roadmaps 2050 project.

As part of this the glass sector itself has already identified WHR as one of the most promising technologies to help glass manufacturers mitigate against fluctuating energy costs, comply with legislation and improve environmental performance.

This event was firmly part of that roadmap journey – including a presentation from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy covering the policy landscape and the Knowledge Transfer Network providing information about specific funding opportunities.

British Glass Environmental Advisor Valli Murthy said:

“Helping the supply chain and other stakeholders to collaborate – so manufacturers have the evidence and support they need to make changes  – is a key part of that Roadmap action plan. We’re delighted that manufacturers, suppliers, academics and policy makers all took such an active part in this event.”