Energy for Tomorrow - New data confirm the downward trend in the energy and greenhouse gas intensity of the European chemical industry. Efficiency gains are essential, but Europe's industry needs other trump cards in the face of rising energy costs and fierce global competition. To explore the chemical industry's role as Europe progresses towards a low-carbon future, Cefic has started a project to develop a long-term energy and climate roadmap for the sector.

Recent data released from show that the European chemical industry now uses 53% less energy and generates 71% less greenhouse gas emissions per unit of production than twenty years ago. This evolution demonstrates the sector's continued efforts to improve its energy efficiency - an important part of how the sector remains competitive and sustainable in an increasingly globalized market.
William Garcia, executive director for Cefic's Energy, commented "A chemical plant is highly energy-intensive. In base chemicals, energy and feedstock can exceed 50% of total production cost. How we source and use energy really makes a difference."
The chemical industry can also make a difference through the advanced energy-saving materials it provides to others. For example, stronger materials make windmill blades more efficient, and insulation materials save energy at consumers' homes.

Investing in Europe
Achieving these positive impacts across the EU economy requires a strong manufacturing base in Europe. Investments on energy savings pay off, but they compete against many other investment options. How can Europe make sure these investments are attractive and happen on home turf?
William Garcia said "For this to happen, the industry needs stability, predictability and visibility on energy and climate policies - and an economic and business context that favors investments in manufacturing. The EU's energy challenges must be placed within the global context for energy and climate change. Our industry seeks a level playing field because we compete on a global market. For us, access to a secure supply of competitively priced sustainable energy is a must."

Long-term Roadmap
To dig deeper into the role of the chemical industry in addressing Europe's energy and climate challenges, Cefic has launched a project to develop a long-term energy and climate roadmap for the European chemical industry.
The roadmap will assess the opportunities, risks and costs for the sector to further reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency in the post-2020 period. Based on an analysis of several scenarios, the roadmap will include a set of evidence-based policy recommendations. Cefic aims to complete the roadmap by March 2013.
In preparing the roadmap, Cefic has signed on energy consultancy Ecofys. Maarten Neelis, project director at Ecofys, comments "The roadmap will look at three key elements: policy, markets, and technology and innovation. It will provide an overview from the chemical industry to European policymakers that will be scenario-driven and evidence-based."
William Garcia concluded "Europe's energy and climate strategy and policies for the post-2020 period will be shaped in the coming years. The roadmap will enable our industry to answer the call from the European Commission and bring new bottom-up input into discussions on European energy, climate and industrial policy beyond 2020."