Abstract
The European Union's ambitious carbon reduction targets for 2030 demand innovative solutions across energy-intensive sectors. Among these, the glass industry is actively seeking sustainable alternatives to natural gas combustion, a major source of carbon emissions in glass production. This paper investigates the potential of hydrogen as a decarbonization pathway for the glass industry, focusing on a use-case from a glass manufacturing facility in Europe. To address these emissions, this study explores the replacement of conventional fuels with hydrogen, a promising clean fuel alternative. Hydrogen not only offers a pathway to substantial carbon reduction but also aligns well with the glass industry's operational requirements for high temperature processes. However, the transition requires a strategic approach to the hydrogen value chain, ensuring an optimized supply, storage, and distribution network. This paper discusses the techno-economic and environmental aspects of hydrogen integration in glass manufacturing, emphasizing hydrogen production, delivery, and utilization frameworks that enhance cost-effectiveness and sustainability in the value chain. Through this lens, we aim to provide a viable roadmap for hydrogen adoption within the glass industry, offering insights into the broader implications for sectoral decarbonization across Europe.