Energy Progress in Europe and Beyond
While the overall production of chemicals in Europe increased by 69 percent from 1990 to 2008, the industry’s greenhouse (GHG) emissions actually decreased by 42 percent during the same period.
From 1990 to 2009, Dow reduced its global energy intensity by 38 percent, saving 1,700 trillion Btu.
Energy, like chemistry, is an essential but invisible enabler of the manufacturing process and the products we depend on everyday. For the foreseeable future, economic growth and energy growth are largely interdependent. For security of supply and environmental reasons, sustainable energy sources will need to feed the world’s growing energy appetite.
In recent years the EU has taken a significantly stronger role in driving forward a common European energy policy in response to environmental, political and market challenges. However, questions remain concerning Europe’s long-term ability to meet its energy needs. As one of the largest energy users and a company committed to reducing its own footprint while helping others do the same, Dow has identified four areas where European public policy can play a major role to enhance manufacturing and promote growth:
- Conserve energy by aggressively pursuing efficiency
- Optimise, increase and diversify domestic energy and feedstock supplies
- Accelerate development of alternative clean/renewable energy and feedstock sources
- Transition to a low carbon economy