A series of factors (ever increasing EU energy demand, diminishing energy resources, drastically increasing competition) have recently heightened the focus on energy efficiency. Expectations have been raised that the industrial sector could dramatically increase energy efficiency. The chemical industry continues to work on this, especially spreading energy efficient technology/culture to SMEs in order to identify where gains can be made.

There are limits, however, to achieving energy efficiency gains. Fossil fuels as raw material cannot easily be replaced. In many processes, the industry has almost reached the maximum level of energy efficiency potential. These barriers can however still be pushed back by technological breakthroughs.

Cefic now encourages:

• initiatives to boost research and development, cogeneration (the simultaneous production of electricity and heat offer energy savings up to 40% when compared against conventional and separate power stations) and the development of new technologies
• energy efficiency improvements throughout society and in all sectors (such as transport and building, which have shown the largest increase in emissions over the last few years)
• initiatives to maximise energy and economic efficiency.

The chemical industry is willing to continue to work with the EU at improving energy efficiency while ensuring that its competitiveness is preserved.

Related links:
EFMA
Euro Chlor
PlasticsEurope

Cefic contact: Peter Botschek