The successful completion of major industrial fuel switching trials mark a significant step toward improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions within energy-intensive industries, supporting the UK’s goal to transition towards net zero while ensuring alternative energy solutions are viable long-term.
The successful completion of major industrial fuel switching trials mark a significant step toward improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions within energy-intensive industries, supporting the UK’s goal to transition towards net zero while ensuring alternative energy solutions are viable long-term.
Justin Kelly, CEO of Glass Futures said, “The successful completion of these trials is a crucial milestone in the UK’s journey to net zero. It not only demonstrates the technical feasibility of low-carbon fuel alternatives but also opens up new opportunities for economic growth through sustainable energy supply chains. Glass Futures’ continued commitment to decarbonisation is reflected in its collaborative approach, working closely with international industry leaders, government agencies, and research partners.”
Key achievements
- Industrial trials involving the UK’s largest glass and ceramic manufacturers conducted at the end of 2024 and the start of 2025 utilised liquid biofuels in glass and ceramics production.
- Successful implementation and trial of a new e-boosting system at an industrial scale, demonstrating the potential to enhance furnace efficiency and heat the glass using electricity, thus reducing reliance on natural gas and other fuels.
- Ceramics UK have successfully demonstrated hydrogen and hydrogen-natural gas blend firing in a custom-designed ceramics pilot-kiln at the Glass Futures pilot facility.