Continuous supply of Energy

Policy areas / Climate & Energy / Continuous supply of Energy

Continuous supply of Energy

6 to 12 months, minimum normal time to repair or rebuilt a furnace after an interruption of energy supply

In brief

Following the recent geopolitical events at the borders of Europe and the energy market disruption caused, the European Commission announced its willingness to phase out its dependency on Russian fossil fuel imports. Russia used to provide over 40% of the total EU’s gas consumption.

Why is it important

Glass fibre manufacturing is an energy intensive activity performed at very high temperature in a continuous process which cannot be interrupted. Cutting the energy supply, even temporarily, to a glass fibre installation would irreversibly damage the industrial equipment.

The economic and social impact of such a situation would not only be dramatic to the glass fibre sector, but it would also have a cascading effect on all the glass reinforced plastic or composite material supply chains (transport, construction, renewables, electric and electronic devices, etc.).

The continuous supply of energy (gas and electricity) is therefore paramount to prevent the furnace and industrial equipment from irreversible damage, avoid industrial accidents and to protect the safety of workers.

Our view

Glass Fibre Europe calls on the authorities to include in the energy contingency plans the continuous supply of energy to the continuous filament glass fibre installations and to consult the manufacturers in case of potential energy shortages.

Supporting documents