Heat up Isover Transition to Electric Under Production

Introduction

The main objective of the HITeUP project at the Saint-Gobain Italy (SGI) plant at the Vidalengo site is to demonstrate a first-of-a-kind, hybrid curing oven that maximizes its electrification and allows for 11% of relative greenhouse gas (GHG) avoidance during the mineral wool process. The HITeUP hybrid curing oven will replace the traditional gas-fired burners with electric heating equipment.

Energy Efficiency

In addition to switching the nature of the energy input, electrification will also allow for an increase in the process's energy efficiency. While electric alternatives to conventional equipment are commercially available, their full integration with the traditional glass wool curing process has never been developed and implemented at the industrial scale. HITeUP technology will then help to move towards net-zero mineral wool production.

Market Context

The European Union is the world's biggest producer of mineral wool, with a market share of around 35% of total world production. The industry is known for:

• The quality of its products
• Its capacity for technological innovation
• Its skilled labor force

Moreover, mineral wool is a strategic material to minimize heat loss through improved energy efficiency of buildings. However, the production of glass wool is an energy-intensive process that emits high amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs), thus negatively impacting the carbon footprint of the construction sector. These emissions particularly relate to natural gas consumption from melting furnaces, fiberizing machines, and curing ovens. The project will contribute to the European objectives to reduce GHG emissions and is in line with the RePowerEU Plan.

Decarbonisation Strategy

This project is also in line with Saint-Gobain's decarbonisation strategy to implement innovative, first-of-a-kind, net-zero carbon plants by 2030 to reach its 2050 net-zero carbon target.

Communication Strategy

To promote HITeUP, SGI will develop and implement a communication strategy on local and worldwide scales to promote the project's positive environmental and social impacts. Furthermore, the HITeUP technology is easy to transfer, even to existing curing ovens. Once validated, the technology could readily be rolled out throughout the sector.