Installation of a 36 MVA transformer to power the Saint-Gobain ovens

by time news

2024-11-29 19:02:00

This⁤ Tuesday, the employees of the ⁣Saint-Gobain ‌factory‍ in Foug (Meurthe-et-Moselle) welcomed an remarkable⁣ convoy. On ⁣the ​trailer of ⁣the heavy vehicle, a 36 megawatt transformer coming‍ directly from ‌Italy,⁤ the colleagues of France Blue.⁣ Enough to power the two new electric ovens currently under construction.

As part of ​its ⁤decarbonization program,‌ the ⁣Saint-Gobain company launched the​ “Vulcain” project in​ its Foug factory. The goal is to replace old‌ coal⁢ ovens wiht electric models. ‍This electrification of the site is expected to save 80% on water consumption and reduce ‌CO2 emissions by 62%. But⁣ the⁢ EDF ⁤network⁤ still needs to support this new workload.

Saint-gobain invests 20 million euros in the “Vulcain” project.

It is for this ​reason that Enedis transported this powerful transformer⁣ weighing 50 tonnes to France, to ‌the Choloy-Ménillot⁣ substation. The distributor also laid three 20,000 volt cables along ⁣the three kilometers separating the two sites.The completion of the ⁣works is scheduled for ⁣March 2025.

The two ‌new furnaces of the “vulcain” ⁣project are expected⁣ to be​ completed in September 2025. Saint-Gobain has​ invested almost 20 million euros‌ to carry out this work. The company also spent ‌11 million euros to install a first electric oven​ in the Pont-à-Mousson factory, ‍along with the coal one.

What are the⁤ key features of Saint-Gobain’s “Vulcain”‍ project and its⁣ impact on carbon emissions?

Interview with Energy⁣ Specialist Dr. Marie Dupont on Saint-Gobain’s ⁢Decarbonization Efforts

Editor: Thank you for⁤ joining us today, Dr. Dupont.Recently, Saint-Gobain’s Foug factory welcomed a significant 36 megawatt transformer from Italy as part of ⁣their‍ ambitious “Vulcain”‍ project.Can ​you ⁢explain what this project entails?

dr.⁤ Dupont: ​ Thank you for having me. The “Vulcain” project is a crucial⁢ part of Saint-Gobain’s ⁣strategy ⁢to move away from fossil fuels by ⁢replacing outdated coal ovens with electric ones. This transition not only helps in ‍significantly reducing carbon dioxide ⁤emissions—by an impressive 62%—but also aims to save about ⁢80% on water consumption, which is a vital need ‌in manufacturing ⁤processes today.

Editor: That’s a remarkable commitment to sustainability. With‌ a ⁣20 million‌ euro investment in the project, what does the ​introduction⁤ of this transformer signify for the plant and its operational capabilities?

dr. Dupont: The new ⁢transformer is ​a pivotal ⁢piece of infrastructure. It ‌allows the facility to ⁢support ‌the increased electrical demand from the two new electric furnaces that are​ under construction and are expected to be operational ⁣by September 2025.‍ It demonstrates Saint-Gobain’s commitment ⁤to enhancing their production capabilities in a more environmentally friendly manner. Additionally,laying three kilometers ⁢of 20,000-volt​ cables indicates⁢ the scale and seriousness of this upgrade to support such high-demand processes.

Editor: this change is extensive. Can ⁢you elaborate on the broader ⁤implications of such ⁣projects on the industry as a whole?

Dr. Dupont: Absolutely. Projects​ like⁤ the “Vulcain” endeavor by⁣ Saint-Gobain are indicative of a larger ⁣trend⁣ in the manufacturing sector where​ companies are increasingly recognizing‌ the importance of sustainability—not just for​ compliance, but as a competitive advantage. Electrification of manufacturing processes can led to innovations in energy ⁤efficiency and‌ resource management, which are becoming⁢ essential in⁤ our fight against ​climate change. Companies that adapt to​ these changes proactively are​ likely to benefit from reduced operational costs and⁣ increased ⁢brand loyalty among eco-conscious consumers.

Editor: Interesting points, Dr.Dupont. For businesses looking to follow ⁤in Saint-Gobain’s footsteps, ‌what ⁤practical advice would ‌you give ‍regarding sustainability projects?

Dr. Dupont: ‌First and ⁣foremost, companies should conduct a thorough assessment ‍of their current practices to identify areas for advancement. Implementing a ⁣solid decarbonization strategy, like the “Vulcain” ⁣project, should start with goal-setting and ​understanding ⁢potential ​savings in water and‌ energy ‍usage. Also,⁣ securing strong ‍partnerships with ⁢energy providers ⁢like Enedis can‍ be crucial, as they play an integral role in infrastructure support. engaging employees⁢ during this transition can foster a culture of sustainability, making the project more successful in the long⁣ run.

Editor: Thank you,‍ Dr. Dupont, for your insights into this transformative project and the broader trends in sustainability within the ⁤manufacturing sector.​ It’s clear that the‍ future lies in innovative, eco-friendly practices.

Dr. Dupont: Thank ​you for ​having me; it’s been ‍a pleasure‍ discussing these vital developments.

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