With intentions to employ 100% hydrogen in upcoming lab-scale tests, Schott claims successful trials using 35% hydrogen for manufacturing glass at an industrial scale.
The specialty glass maker has set a target of becoming climate-neutral in production by 2030 in order to avoid utilizing fossil fuels in the long run.
In order to do this, Schott will concentrate on two strategies: using green hydrogen and electrifying the furnaces with green power. At its Mainz (Germany) facility, Schott evaluated the addition of hydrogen in large-scale melting trials as part of the “H2-Industry” research project through December 2022.
The initiative was assisted by the Mainzer Stadtwerke, who provided a transportable mixing station where the natural gas-hydrogen mixture was created. In the Mainzer Netze GmbH-designed and -operated facility, the volume of hydrogen was gradually ramped up to 35%.
The test was groundbreaking for the glass industry, and it succeeded in reaching the high temperatures required for glass melting. Over €714,000 in total was spent on the research project.
As part of the European Regional Development Fund, the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, and Mobility will contribute about €338,000. (ERDF).
The test results are being used by Schott to advance its investigation into how to melt glass in a way that is environmentally beneficial. This year, the melting specialists intend to carry out lab-scale tests using only hydrogen.
