28 January 2025
MAGNUS PROJECT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE DECARBONIZATION OF GLASS PRODUCTION THROUGH ELECTRIFICATION AT FIDENZA PLANT
MAnufacturing of Glass through iNnovative hybridisation Up-Scaling
The MAGNUS project aims at the decarbonization of the domestic glass industry through partial electrification of the furnace. This main intervention is coupled by forehearth conditioning insulation, gas exhaust control and thermal imaging monitoring inside the furnace. This combination of insulation and control will contribute to optimize combustion and therefore lower energy consumption. Part of the required electric energy will be supplied by photovoltaic (PV) panels installed nearby, and natural gas is partially replaced by a volume of 100 Sm3/h of biomethane, meaning that 18% of natural gas needs are replaced by certified biomethane. The combination of these technologies will allow a relative GHG emission avoidance of 25%.
The MAGNUS project is innovative both with respect to the commercial and the technological state of the art because of the high share (35%) of electrification of the glass melting process. The current share in the European glass industry is 10-20% and increasing this amount to 35% would significantly reduce emissions. This project involves a complete change of traditional furnace management, with the electric booster covering the energy baseline needs and gas will be used to providing the remainder of the required energy. The MAGNUS project will lead to a new glass furnace managing, further reducing GHG emissions. Additional savings are expected through forehearth conditioning insulation and through digital combustion controls (laser gas sensors and thermal imaging camera). This will allow an absolute GHG reduction of around 56 thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent during ten years of operation.
MAGNUS project will provide relevant policy feedback for the glass industry and will help achieve the EU Green Deal and REPowerEU targets. The substantial increase in the electricity use as melting support require also a diversification of energy sourcing to the industry. The use of locally installed PV panels supports the transition to independent, secure, and sustainable energy. The furnace will still be partly heated by gas, but it transitions to using biomethane to reduce overall emissions and strengthen the biomethane supply chain in Italy and Europe. Sustainable production will reduce GHG emission of the industry and sustainable glass can replace single-use plastic and further support reduction of emissions in our society. These actions are in line with the strategy to reduce single-use plastic and the EU Circular Economy action plan.
The project has a positive impact on the local economy, especially in terms of added value and supply chains sustainability. The glass industry represents a strong asset in the economy of the region of Emilia Romagna. Therefore, the sustainable transition of such an important sector will be beneficial for the economy as well as the environment. In addition, the supply chain of biomethane from local agricultural sources is strengthened.
