How AGC and Saint-Gobain’s Hybrid Furnace Will Change Glass Manufacturing

Two of Europe’s largest glass manufacturers, AGC and Saint-Gobain, have partnered to develop a new hybrid furnace that could alter Europe’s flat glass industry and reduce carbon emissions. The furnace, part of the Volta research project, was officially inaugurated in mid-February at AGC’s Barevka plant in Teplice, Czech Republic.

The pilot furnace uses a first-of-its-kind innovative glass production technology. It is set to prevent the release of 192,500 tons of carbon emissions over the next decade, equivalent to the annual emissions of over 35,000 European citizens. According to the European Commission, the hybrid furnace is designed to cut emissions by over two million tons annually when deployed across Europe. It will also help reduce Europe’s natural gas consumption by more than 10 terawatt hours.

Officials say the Volta project includes reconstructing AGC’s Dubí, Czech Republic, production line. They explain that the line will be 50% electrified and 50% fired by a combination of oxygen and gas, reducing direct carbon emissions. The new technology also focuses on circularity, as the Volta hybrid melting furnace will operate at a much higher ratio of recycled materials than industry standards.

“The new hybrid line for the production of patterned glass in Dubí will not only significantly reduce carbon emissions but will also increase the energy efficiency of our production,” says AGC president and CEO Yoshinori Hirai. “The Volta project is a major step on our journey toward carbon neutrality and demonstrates our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”