WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) announced today that the U.S. Department of Energy has chosen The Glass Manufacturing Industry Council to receive $3 million from the federal government to research electric glass melting.
Toledo-based companies CelSian and Toledo Engineering Company (TECO) have been selected as partners in the research, along with other national companies, including RoMan Manufacturing and the Pacific Northwest National Lab.
“As a region with a rich history in glass production, it is encouraging to see this $3 million federal award from the Department of Energy come back to the Glass City and northwest Ohio,'" said Kaptur.
All four companies will work together to research advancements in electric melting, lab-scale experimentation, computer modeling and engineering solutions over the next three years.
Scott Cooper, the technical director of U.S.A. CelSian says that this research will be used to create a lower-carbon future.
"Some challenges have prevented its widespread adoption in higher-volume applications like container and flat glass production," explained Cooper. "Our project aims to address these challenges, advance electric melting technology for sustainable glass production, and provide viable options for the glass industry’s journey toward a lower-carbon future.”
According to Kaptur, the partnership between Toledo businesses and the federal government is imperative, as it keeps northwest Ohio at the front of the glass industry.
"This partnership between the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council and its partners and the Department of Energy is a major step forward for glass production that moves us toward further decarbonization and a sustainable future," continued Kaptur. "Glass and derivative industries remain vital for northwest Ohio."
The results of the research are expected to be published and organized into community outreach efforts at the annual Glass Problems Conference organized by GMIC.
