DOW low carbon utilities

Panel: 1. Policies and Programmes to drive transformation

Authors:
Jason Lankford, DOW, Inc., USA
Ellen Kruiten, DOW, Inc., USA

Abstract

Manufacturing processes can be very energy intensive, and the CO2 emissions associated with the required power and steam can be significant. Regulations to address climate change, which increasingly include a price on carbon, are requiring manufacturers to achieve aggressive CO2 reduction targets. As a large, global manufacturer that also produces and consumes large amounts of power and steam, the regulatory changes and emissions cost structure have significant implications for Dow. To focus efforts and accelerate solutions, Dow conducted and will share results from its initial review of available options to provide lower carbon power and steam.

The presentation will focus on the regulatory landscape in the areas where Dow operates and the most attractive technological and commercial options for lowering CO2 emissions.

Criteria for evaluation included the technology readiness level, impact of the technology on energy efficiency and other environmental aspects, public acceptance, competitiveness, and infrastructure needs. Although no single technology scored favorable on all aspects, several possible options were identified, including opportunities to collaborate with government stakeholders to enable the development of low carbon solutions. The risks associated with target-setting policies that are focused solely on Scope 1 emissions were assessed, and the results will be shared. The assessment examined the possible effects on sustainability, cost competitiveness, and the resulting energy transition cost burden placed upon society.

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