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The chemical industry in various countries actively cools the earth
A report by Reuters on January 3 sparked global attention: British scientists predicted that 2008 would be the coldest year since 2000, yet it still ranked among the top ten hottest years since 1850. This highlights that global warming is far from over. As international efforts to combat climate change intensify, major chemical companies are accelerating their near- and long-term strategies, actively responding to the challenge.
In November of the previous year, Bayer launched its "Bayer Climate Plan," which includes a €1 billion investment in research and development between 2008 and 2010 aimed at addressing global warming. The company introduced a new selection process called "Climate Change Criteria" for projects exceeding $10 million. Additionally, Bayer MaterialScience committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 75% of 2005 levels by 2020. Meanwhile, Bayer HealthCare and Bayer AG pledged to cut emissions by 95% and 85%, respectively, by the same year.
In December, Dow Chemical joined the climate initiative, promoting practical policies while demonstrating that profitability and emission reduction can coexist. The company plans to use its chemical expertise to tackle climate issues globally. By 2025, it aims to stabilize its absolute CO2 emissions, and by 2050, at least half of its energy will come from renewable or carbon-free sources.
Technical innovation plays a crucial role in cooling the planet. From corporate research centers to university labs, the chemical industry is actively contributing. BP recently launched the “Carbon Emissions Calculator,†an interactive tool that helps users understand their CO2 footprint through home, travel, and shopping activities. It also offers tips for reducing emissions.
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have developed a low-cost nanostructured plastic film that efficiently separates CO2 from power plant exhaust. This technology is set for testing at four European power stations over the next five years.
At Sandia National Laboratories, scientists are working on high-efficiency chemical reactions to convert CO2 into liquid fuels using solar energy. Their goal is to develop solar reactors capable of producing gasoline from CO2 and water, with a test device expected this spring.
Capturing CO2 from the atmosphere remains expensive, but researchers at Columbia University have designed a method to reduce energy consumption in the process. Field tests are scheduled for May this year.
Air Liquide and Total have partnered to implement CO2 capture and storage at a French industrial site. Total plans to inject over 150,000 tons of CO2 into deep wells near Lacq, starting in November. Air Liquide is also involved in similar projects in Poland, the U.S., and Canada.
BP and Rio Tinto established a hydrogen energy joint venture to advance global decarbonization. The project captures CO2 and stores it underground.
Powerspan USA has developed the ECO2 capture process, using aqueous ammonia to remove CO2 from power plants. This technology, developed with the U.S. Department of Energy, is being commercialized for coal-fired power plants.
Additionally, using captured CO2 to produce chemicals offers a dual benefit. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries transferred its CO2 recovery technology to Gulf Petrochemicals in Bahrain, allowing them to increase urea and methanol production. The facility is expected to capture 450 tons of CO2 daily and be completed by early 2010.