First hybrid glass furnace with up to 50% electric heating in the world opened in Etten-Leur

Since last September 16, the new glass furnace at Isover Nederland's glass wool factory in Etten-Leur is in production. This furnace is unique of its kind in that this is the world's first hybrid glass furnace with up to 50% electric heating. After more than four years of preparation and an intensive conversion period of just two and a half months, the beating heart of the plant is once again running at full capacity. The new furnace contributes to more sustainable glass wool production. It halves gas consumption and reduces total energy consumption by more than a quarter. The CO₂-emissions from the kiln decrease by 55% and from the plant by 20%. On Thursday, Oct. 31, Mayor Marina Starmans-Gelijns of Etten-Leur officially opened the furnace.  

The furnace gets half of its heating capacity from electricity through electrodes. The remaining heat demand is met by gas in combination with pure oxygen. The oxygen comes from an oxygen plant that is also new at the Etten-Leur plant site. 

As many as 100,000 solar panels

The hybrid furnace is a more environmentally friendly version of its predecessor that was heated entirely with gas. By replacing the furnace, Isover Netherlands, part of Saint-Gobain, is achieving significant results. 

• A reduction in gas consumption of 55%.
• An overall decrease in energy consumption of 26%. 
• A reduction in CO₂-emissions from the plant with 20% over the first ten years. 
• A reduction in CO₂-emissions from the furnace with 55% for the first ten years.  
  This is equivalent to saving CO₂ of 100,000 solar panels in the same period.¹

Making the world a better home 

That is the ultimate goal of the French multinational Saint-Gobain and all its subsidiaries. There are a number of concrete goals associated with this. For example, the Saint-Gobain Group has committed itself to achieving a CO₂-neutral organization by 2050. "Through the new hybrid furnace, we have achieved the first goal: a reduction in CO₂-emissions by 20% in 2025 compared to 2010. We continue to improve, aiming for the next goal in 2030. Namely, 33% less CO₂-emissions compared to 2017. I am proud that we have now taken this first and important step." Thus Mark Rippens, Isover Netherlands plant director. 

Technology also suitable for other factories

With the Saint-Gobain Hybrid Furnace Project (HFP), Saint-Gobain is pursuing sustainable glass wool production worldwide. HFP is the result of years of research and development within the group. Frank te Poel, CEO Gypsum and Insulation Building Activities Benelux looks back on a successful project: "The hybrid furnace offers us the opportunity to take a big step towards a more sustainable organization that will eventually be fully CO₂-neutral operation. It is special to finally see the hybrid glass furnace working after an intensive period of development. The Etten-Leur plant is often at the forefront of innovation worldwide. That the furnace was implemented here first is therefore completely fitting." 

Te Poel continues: "Other plants within Saint-Gobain's network may soon follow suit. Moreover, the technology can lead to a reduction in CO₂-emissions from other manufacturers in the industry, with a global impact."

Oven officially opened 

On Thursday, Oct. 31, the furnace was officially opened by Mayor Marina Starmans-Gelijns of Etten-Leur. Together with Catharina Bezemer, economic liaison for the Municipality of Etten-Leur and Gerrit Jan Koopman, president of Cluster6, she visited the factory where she was taken through the production of glass wool. 

Isover Nederland's factory is located at the Vosdonk business park in Etten-Leur. This is 1 of 13 large business parks in North Brabant that the province wants to make more sustainable faster. Mayor Starmans-Gelijns is proud that Isover is contributing to making the business park more sustainable. "We are grateful for the cooperation between the various parties. The new furnace makes an important contribution to our common goal: sustainable and smart use of energy, creating a pleasant green working environment and sustainable use of raw materials and materials. We are proud of Isover, which has been a fixture at Vosdonk business park for many years. Isover is an example of entrepreneurship that looks beyond today. Their dedication to innovation and environmental awareness is inspiring. Their long-standing commitment makes them a valuable and valued partner, with whom we work with confidence and pleasure on our shared ambitions."

Gerrit Jan Koopman, chairman Cluster6: "Isover, part of Saint-Gobain, demonstrates the positive impact of making industry more sustainable within the region. The Cluster6 case study approach accelerates the energy transition by bringing all relevant parties together at once. By sharing plans and bottlenecks, a joint search for solutions emerges. Therein lies the strength of the Cluster6 case approach".

More information about the new hybrid glass furnace can be found at www.isover.nl/hybrideoven. For more information on Isover Netherlands' sustainability goals, visit www.isover.nl/verduurzamen.