Coal Gasification For Melting Glass

Of all energy used by the glass industry, 85% is natural gas, which has increased in cost over the last 10 years from around $3 to $14M BTUs at the major wholesale markets. Energy prices have had a huge impact on manufacturing cost. For example, energy now represents 20-25% of the total manufacturing cost for the container industry, compared with 10% just a few years ago. If the industry is to remain in business, the cost of energy must be reduced and price stability needs to be obtained to permit reliable long-term planning. Syngas (synthetic gas) from clean coal gasification (CCG) technologies, may provide a part of the answer. This article examines the technology in more detail.