The GIFFT project team tested the plasma burner developed by LEI in Germany

Researchers from the Lithuanian Energy Institute - Dr. Andrius Tamošiūnas, Dr. Nerijus Striūgas, Dr. Mindaugas Aikas and Rolandas Uscila — visited Germany, where they tested a plasma burner developed by the Institute at the company PlasmaAir AG.

The burner, which operates using oxygen and hydrogen or oxygen and methane mixtures, is one of two prototypes being developed within the GIFFT project. The prototypes aim to reduce CO₂ emissions in the glass industry by enabling a transition to more flexible and sustainable heat supply solutions.

Initial tests were carried out in Germany, during which the plasma burner developed by the Lithuanian Energy Institute was tested using the power supply and ignition system available at PlasmaAir AG. The ultimate goal is to prepare for trials planned for next year at the SCHOTT glass manufacturing plant, which produces high-quality glass products. The company plans to replace part of its conventional natural gas-fired burners with plasma burners in its production process. This would reduce the use of fossil fuels in glass manufacturing and lower carbon dioxide emissions released into the environment.

The glass industry is one of the most energy-intensive sectors and has a significant CO₂ footprint. To contribute to addressing climate change, the Lithuanian Energy Institute launched the international project “Sustainable Heat Production with Adaptive Fuel Technology” (GIFFT) in 2023. Its objective is to transform the glass melting process by introducing alternative, low-carbon heat sources.