MAGNUS Project: decarbonize the glass industry
The MAGNUS project aims to decarbonize the glass industry by partially electrifying the furnace. The main intervention will be combined with enhanced insulation of the forehearth and the use of thermal imaging cameras. The energy sources for furnace operation will be diversified: part of the energy will be supplied by photovoltaic (PV) panels installed at the Fidenza plant, and natural gas needs will be partially replaced by biomethane, covering 18% of the required gas supply. The project will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 25% compared to the baseline scenario.
MAGNUS will introduce an electrification share of around 35% in the glass melting process, significantly higher than the current European average of 10-20%. This marks a radical shift in the management of traditional furnaces: electrification will be ensured by an electric booster, while gas (partially substituted with biomethane) will provide the remaining energy demand. Overall, the project is expected to achieve an absolute reduction of approximately 56,000 tons of CO2 equivalent over ten years.
