Business News
DuPont Chair & CEO: Addressing Energy Challenges will Require Delivering Smarter, More Efficient and Sustainable Solutions
Thursday 25. November 2010 - Demand for Energy will Continue to Grow as World Population Increases, Kullman says at Detroit Economic Club
Addressing energy security, climate change, and increasing demand for limited natural resources will require smarter, more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, DuPont Chair and CEO Ellen Kullman said today at the Detroit Economic Club. She also said innovation and collaboration to reduce dependence on fossil fuels will open up new possibilities for business growth, market opportunity and economic development.
“Demand for energy will continue to grow as world population increases and as more and more people in the world move into the middle class,” Kullman said. “Long before we run out of oil, simple economics, market opportunity, and innovative science – along with other unforeseen factors yet to come – are going to usher in the next energy revolution. In the short term, a mix of existing and emerging technologies will be needed.”
Kullman noted that conservation and more efficient use of existing fossil fuels are critical. She also outlined how DuPont continues to advance science-based renewable energy solutions, including photovoltaics, biofuels, fuel cells, renewably sourced materials, and energy-efficient technologies and building materials.
For photovoltaics, DuPont makes more than 10 materials that are critical to solar panel production and manufactures thin-film solar panels, as well. The companys photovoltaic product sales exceeded $1 billion this year and are projected to double by 2014. DuPont also is a leader in advanced biofuels technology, both cellulosic ethanol and bio-butanol, and expects more than $500 million in earnings from biofuels by 2020. And DuPont Nomex and Kevlar aramids – best known for providing protection in body armor and firefighter gear – are sought after for their light weight, structural rigidity and insulating properties in wind turbines.
Kullman specifically pointed to the automotive industrys critical role in reducing global dependence on fossil fuels through the adoption of sustainable products and systems, advanced drive and fuel-cell technologies, and light-weight materials. For example, she noted that DuPont Zytel PLUS nylon can significantly reduce a vehicles weight and increase miles per gallon. And DuPont Energain battery separators improve battery performance, safety and stability at high temperatures.
“We recognize that no one company or country is going to solve all our energy needs. This is why DuPont looks to bring our science into partnerships and collaborative programs with manufacturers, customers, NGOs and governments to help develop and commercialize new energy solutions,” said Kullman. “The decades ahead are going to be a time of tremendous innovation to address human needs in a sustainable way. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels will be one of our most important global challenges. Success will involve multiple technologies, coupled with innovation and collaboration across companies, borders and sectors.”