Design of a hybrid mid-sized pilot furnace for flat glass (Volta project)

In December 2022, AGC Glass Europe embarked on a mid-sized hybrid pilot furnace project for flat glass production, aiming for substantial CO₂ reductions by 2028. Often referred to as the Volta project, it follows a structured timeline encompassing various stages: R&D concept alignment, a joint development agreement, application for the Innovation Fund (IF), a scheduled cold repair, and the eventual start-up of production. By 2028, the project’s ultimate goal is to validate a hybrid furnace design capable of significantly lowering carbon emissions.

The initial phase (2022-2023) focuses on R&D concept convergence, budgeting, planning, and process optimization. During this period, teams refine the technical specifications and integrate diverse energy sources (natural gas, hydrogen, green electricity) to minimize reliance on fossil fuels. The subsequent phase, running until the end of 2024, delves into detailed engineering, including the procurement of core equipment, establishing production procedures, and preparing rigorous testing protocols.

In June 2025, the project calls for a cold repair, a critical step that involves shutting down the furnace to incorporate more advanced combustion technologies and structural upgrades. By early 2026, the furnace is set to restart, initiating extended production trials aimed at thoroughly assessing energy efficiency, glass quality, and actual CO₂ mitigation. Finally, the period from 2027 through 2028 covers monitoring and performance validation, fulfilling funding requirements and providing comprehensive data on the furnace’s overall results.

With this endeavor, AGC Glass Europe underscores its commitment to experimenting with cutting-edge technological solutions that balance industrial performance with environmental responsibility. By blending cleaner energy sources and carefully managing thermal flows, the company seeks to establish an industrial benchmark that can be replicated at other facilities or even in other areas of the glass industry. Spanning the entire process—from initial R&D to full-scale production—this hybrid pilot furnace initiative aims to advance the energy transition and offer a tangible response to today’s pressing climate challenges.