Mainz-based SCHOTT group has produced optical glass with 100% hydrogen at an industrial scale using new technology.
Over three days, the German company used grey hydrogen to heat its furnace to melt optical glass. Schott undertook laboratory-scale testing last year (2023), before scaling up to an industrial level this month (April).
The large-scale tank test was filled three times at the Mainz facility, with grey hydrogen chosen over green because renewably produced hydrogen is still in short supply. Dr Frank Heinricht, Chairman of Schott’s Board of Management explained, “We deliberately decided to use it so that we wouldn’t lose any time testing its technical feasibility.”
Dr Lenka Deneke, Schott’s Project Manager, said hydrogen will be used over natural gas commercially “if the tests show that the quality of the glass is also right and the glass properties remain unchanged.”
She added that if the glass quality meets requirements, “Hydrogen would indeed be a suitable technology option. We would then have confirmation that the use of 100% hydrogen instead of fossil fuels delivers the same quality under industrial conditions.”
Optical glass requires the highest homogeneity and transmission properties and if it meets the high product requirements, it will be sent to customers in the consumer goods and measurement technology sectors.
Alongside its own investments, Schott received financial support from various institutions and the tests were supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMBF and financially backed by the EU’s NextGenerationEU.
Last December (2023), Ryze Hydrogen signed a long-term deal to provide hydrogen to Guardian Glass, which will use it to decarbonise the manufacturing of float glass.
Read more: Ryze supplied hydrogen to be used in glass production
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