ICG Spring School 2026

The European Union has established stringent targets for CO emissions over the next 30 years. By 2030, emissions must be reduced by 55% compared to 1990 levels, with the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. It is evident that these ambitious targets cannot be achieved using current furnace designs.

The International Commission on Glass (ICG) has a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across regions by organizing conferences focused on sustainability. 

To achieve meaningful reductions in carbon emissions, innovative furnace designs and new technologies must be developed. Such advancements require the use of validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools like the GS Glass Furnace Model (GS GFM). No glass producer would risk building a new furnace concept capable of melting over 100 tons per day without rigorous analysis, calculations, and CFD modeling. Recent trends show increasing interest in reducing carbon emissions through greater reliance on electric melting or hydrogen, similar to the widespread adoption of CFD modeling during the rise of oxy-fuel technologies. Now, with the next generation of large hybrid furnaces (with over 50% electric boosting) or fully electric melters. 

These complex furnaces, with multiple heat inputs, also require advanced control systems, such as Model-Based Predictive Control, to optimize the balance between electricity and natural gas usage. This approach considers fluctuating costs and aims to maximize carbon reduction. 

The glass industry is navigating a period of profound change, driven by rising operational costs and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. While renewable electricity may appear to be the ideal primary energy source, its fluctuating availability presents a significant challenge. With limited large-scale energy storage in today’s power grids, fossil-fuel-based base-load generators remain essential to ensure grid stability. As solar and wind power continue to expand in the coming years, the industry faces a crucial question: how can glass manufacturers make the most of renewable energy while reducing their dependence on fossil fuels? New strategies and technologies will be needed to align production processes with the realities of renewable energy supply. This paper explores the growing influence of renewable energy on the glass industry and examines practical solutions to support a more sustainable and resilient future.