As part of the single largest industrial decarbonization effort in U.S. history, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) officially awarded phase 1 of O-I Glass’s project to install cutting-edge emissions-slashing technology.
Glass Furnace Decarbonization Technology Stack Project
OCED awarded the Glass Furnace Decarbonization Technology Stack Project, led by O-I Glass, with more than USD 700,000 (of the total project federal cost share of up to USD 56.6 million) to begin Phase 1 activities.
The project plans to rebuild one furnace at the O-I Glass facility in Zanesville, OH. This project aims to reduce carbon intensity by 20-40 percent compared to glass produced on a baseline furnace. This rebuild would combine five cutting-edge technologies on the furnace, marking the first time that all five technologies have been implemented simultaneously. These technologies, which include improved heat recovery and fuel systems, material pre-heating and electric conversions, would reduce waste heat, energy demands and both direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions.
The project could demonstrate the commercial feasibility and functionality of combining multiple decarbonizing technologies that could be replicated across different glass colours and container types. During Phase 1 of the project, O-I Glass will conduct preliminary engineering design along with documentation and reports necessary for OCED to complete the National Environmental Policy Act review.