Saint-Gobain and AGC to build a record hybrid electric furnace for glass in Spain

Construction of a new hybrid electric furnace in Avilés

According to НВ — Техно: The two largest global manufacturers of flat glass, Saint-Gobain and AGC Group, have announced plans to build a record-capacity hybrid electric furnace in the Spanish city of Avilés. This project, known as FurHy, involves replacing the old gas installation with new equipment that will significantly reduce carbon emissions and natural gas consumption. Construction is set to begin in January 2027, with the resumption of production planned for the second half of the same year.

Technical specifications and environmental benefits

According to engineers' estimates, the new electric furnace will be the first of its kind on a global scale for the flat glass segment. The melting of a mixture of quartz sand, soda, limestone, and glass waste will occur at temperatures exceeding 1500 °C. Industrial aggregates of this type typically operate continuously for up to 20 years. With the new system, 75% of the hot process will be converted to green electricity obtained from local renewable energy suppliers.

The modernization of production will reduce natural gas consumption by 80%, which corresponds to savings of 265 GWh per year. Direct CO₂ emissions from the plant will be cut in half, which will mean a reduction of about 80 thousand tons per year. The project has also received funding from the EU Innovation Fund. Previously, Saint-Gobain and AGC Group successfully tested a smaller electric furnace in the Czech town of Barevka as part of the VOLTA experiment.

The planned construction of a new electric furnace in Avilés is an important step towards transitioning the industry to more environmentally friendly technologies. Reducing CO₂ emissions and natural gas consumption will not only contribute to achieving Europe's environmental goals but may also serve as a model for other manufacturers in the industry. The success of this project could stimulate the adoption of green technologies in other countries and sectors of industry, which in turn will help in the fight against climate change.