In a pivotal moment for both the European climate agenda and energy-intensive industries, the Alliance of Energy-Intensive Industries issues a joint statement emphasizing the pressing need for enabling conditions to transition towards the ambitious 2040 climate target. These industries form the bedrock of European manufacturing and its intricate value chains, making the forthcoming transformation a complex challenge. With less than two decades to achieve this formidable goal and amid economic and geopolitical challenges, a solid business case supported by an innovative industrial policy becomes imperative.

The ambitious EU 2040 climate target demands a profound reshaping of energy-intensive industries, which serve as the backbone of European manufacturing and its intricate value chains. However, achieving this goal is not without hurdles, considering the economic and geopolitical challenges Europe faces, including high energy prices, an economic slowdown, value chain bottlenecks, and a lack of a level international playing field.

A successful transition necessitates a robust business case, requiring ambitious industrial policy alignment with climate policies. The current European approach, relying on unilateral targets and carbon pricing, proves insufficient without equivalent climate regulation by third countries. To surmount these challenges, Europe urgently needs a comprehensive, investment-friendly framework that considers the new geopolitical context.

The key prerequisite for such a framework is access to internationally competitive energy and decarbonization infrastructure. Europe must bridge its current gap by expediting investments in capacity and infrastructure related to electricity, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization, and storage. Additionally, industrial consumers must benefit from these investments.

Simplified rules on EU and national funding for both capital and operational expenditures are crucial to accelerate the transition from demonstration to industrial-scale deployment and commercialization. Supporting a wide range of technologies and solutions, resolving administrative bottlenecks, and creating demand-side policies for climate-neutral and circular products are essential components of this strategy.

Furthermore, the competitive transition of energy-intensive industries toward climate neutrality relies on international fair competition. Strengthening policy instruments to ensure a genuine level playing field for EU industries is paramount. Addressing carbon and investment leakage through a robust anti-leakage framework and providing clarity on a realistic framework for the period 2031-2040 to tackle residual industrial emissions are vital steps.

As the EU stands at a make-it or break-it moment, the alliance asserts that this is an opportunity to reverse deindustrialization risks and reinforce both climate and industrial leadership. Energy-intensive industries are committed to contributing to Europe’s welfare and decarbonization, bringing quality jobs and continuous innovation. However, their success depends on a supportive regulatory framework, urgently needed to navigate the complexities of the 2040 climate target.

Source: glassallianceeurope.eu with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Saint-Gobain has joined forces with Legno Legno – Consorzio Nazionale Serramentisti for the Sustainable Window+ project. This collaboration aims to support window manufacturers in their environmental labeling journey and raise awareness about sustainability in the glass industry.

Driving Sustainability in the Glass Industry

Glass Futures, a disruptive research technology organization, secures £18 million funding from the UK government’s Department for Energy, Security, and Net Zero. This investment will enable Glass Futures and its members to lead the decarbonization efforts in energy-intensive industries.

Advancing Carbon Reduction Strategies

Glass Futures will embark on three groundbreaking projects to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the glass and ceramic sectors. These initiatives will explore 100% hydrogen, low-cost biofuels, and electrical boosting to facilitate a smooth transition away from fossil fuels.

Rapid and Dynamic Electric Boosting of Glass Furnaces (R&D-Electric)

By developing super boosted electric furnaces, Glass Futures aims to optimize electric melting processes and enhance the capabilities of conventional glass furnaces. This advancement paves the way for a seamless transition to super-boost hybrid furnaces by 2040, contributing to a more sustainable glass industry.

Demonstrating the Viability of Low-Cost Biofuels for Glass and Ceramics

Collaborating with leading glass manufacturers like O-I, Ardagh, Encirc, and Pilkington UK, Glass Futures will explore economically attractive biofuels for glass and ceramic furnace sites. This project aims to provide cost-effective and renewable alternatives to natural gas, promoting decarbonization in the industry.

Demonstrating Hydrogen in the Ceramics Sector

Working with the British Ceramics Consortium, Glass Futures will showcase 100% hydrogen-firing technologies across various ceramics manufacturing sites. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, hydrogen has the potential to significantly decrease CO2 emissions and drive sustainability in the ceramics industry.

The Future of Sustainable Glass Production

Richard Katz, CEO of Glass Futures, expressed excitement about the progress made and the opening of the Global Centre of Excellence. The funding from the UK government will enable the organization to accelerate groundbreaking research and test innovative technologies at an industrial scale. These advancements align with Glass Futures’ mission to bring together industry leaders, academia, and foundations to drive decarbonization efforts and shape a sustainable future for the glass industry.

Source: Glass Futures with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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