Isover inaugurates the first hybrid glass furnace in the Netherlands
Saint-Gobain has taken a major step towards decarbonizing its industry with the inauguration of a hybrid furnace, the only one of its kind in the world. Installed at Isover’s Etten-Leur site in the Netherlands, it reduces the CO2 emissions from the furnace by 55% through use of a power supply that can cover half its energy needs.
Isover’s Etten-Leur site in the Netherlands has taken up the challenge of transforming industrial processes with the installation of a new hybrid glass furnace. Its breakthrough technology combines electricity and natural gas, with electrodes at the bottom of the furnace providing up to 50% of the heat required. The other half comes from an optimized system using natural gas and pure oxygen produced on site.
This unique configuration not only reduces the furnace’s gas consumption by 55%, but also cuts its overall energy consumption by 26%. This new hybrid furnace is perfectly in line with Isover’s sustainable production strategy. Already using 70% recycled glass as raw material, the Etten-Leur site has taken another step towards more environmentally friendly production.
“It is fascinating to see this hybrid furnace in action after a period of intense development. Other plants in the Saint-Gobain network will no doubt soon follow our example. In addition, this technology could help reduce the carbon emissions of other manufacturers and have a global impact,” says Franck te Poel, CEO for Gypsum and Insulation in the Benelux countries.
Inaugurated on October 31, 2024, this innovation – along with the switch to 100% electric power at several Isover plants in France – is part of the Group’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.