Editor's note
This development signals a long-term shift toward sustainable production in European ceramics, which may influence future environmental compliance standards and sourcing preferences for importers. While not an immediate capacity increase, it highlights R&D focus on green manufacturing that could affect supply chain positioning and brand differentiation in premium slab markets.
Iris Ceramica Group and Edison Next have produced the world's first ceramic slab using green hydrogen, marking a key step in industrial decarbonization. The 4D technical slab measures 3.2m x 1.6m x 12mm and was manufactured at a facility in Castellarano, Italy. The partners have signed an agreement to develop H2 Factory®, a production plant powered by on-site green hydrogen generated via a 1 MW electrolyser using rainwater and renewable energy. The project includes expanding existing rooftop photovoltaic capacity by 1.2 MW. This initiative represents a pioneering effort to decarbonize Italy's ceramics industry and may lead to similar hydrogen-powered installations across the group's other production sites.
Iris Ceramica Group and Edison Next have announced the production of the world's first ceramic slab made with green hydrogen. The 4D technical slab measures 3.2 meters long, 1.6 meters wide, and 12mm thick, incorporating sustainability as a fourth dimension alongside its material and veining characteristics.
This achievement results from a joint decarbonization initiative between the two companies. The partners have signed an agreement to develop H2 Factory®, a production facility in Castellarano, Italy, that will operate using green hydrogen produced on-site.
Edison Next will install a 1 MW electrolyser powered by renewable energy, utilizing collected rainwater to support a circular water management approach. The project will supplement the site's existing 2 MW rooftop photovoltaic panels with an additional 1.2 MW solar installation.
This project represents the first concrete effort to decarbonize Italy's ceramics industry using on-site green hydrogen. The initiative targets a sector traditionally considered hard to abate and aligns with national energy transition goals.
Iris Ceramica Group indicates the potential for replicating similar hydrogen-powered systems across its other production facilities in the future.
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Sources
- H2 FACTORY®: We are shaping the future of ceramic industry (Iris Ceramica Group)
Source article: H2 FACTORY®: We are shaping the future of ceramic industry | Source publish time: Jul 11, 2024 | Source language: en
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