Global glass-melting specialist, Sorg has launched the world’s first hybrid furnace for high tonnage operations in glass manufacturing: the CLEAN Melter.

The CLEAN Melter will allow larger furnace operations to reduce their carbon emissions and energy consumption by combining electric and combustion technologies to achieve an 80% electric share.

“The unavoidable challenge for the global glass industry is to find more renewable energy sources; otherwise, to speak frankly, its future will be short lived,” said Thomas Breitfelder, Technical Director at Sorg.

As the EU Parliament recently voted for 60% carbon emissions cut by 2030 – and with the Paris Agreement asking for zero emissions by 2050 – large tonnage producers are facing a monumental step change as emission trading and strict limits on air pollutants force them to evolve.

Nearly 150 years of experience in electric and fossil-fuelled technologies have provided Sorg with an insight into how the future will be shaped, allowing the business to develop increasingly sustainable furnaces to meet the carbon neutral challenges posed to the industry.

The first hybrid furnace is a sustainable solution to larger furnace operators with requirements for a pull of up to 400tpd.

It harnesses combustion and electric technologies to increase the electric share of a furnace to as much as 80%.

It results in lower energy consumption and carbon emissions, and offers cost savings and greater flexibility in terms of pull variations and raw material changes.

Glass manufacturers can build the CLEAN Melter and start with a higher portion of fossil heating to avoid potential work floor disruptions.

Depending on the location and political situation, it can then be transferred at any time from a conventional/fossil-heated melting unit to a hybrid melting furnace with primarily electrical heating.

“The regenerative firing principle that has been used for more than 150 years now will soon be gone,” said Thomas Breitfelder.

“It’s time for a clean start.

“The immediate request for carbon neutrality has meant major global brands are seeking manufacturers who respect and support their sustainability strategies – the glass industry needs to be able to offer this at any scale.

“The thinking behind this hybrid concept is really simple – because without it, glass has no future.”

To find out more about the new hybrid technology, visit https://sustainablemelting.sorg.de/hybrid-melting/