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Both Dow Chemical and Novozymes advanced fuel cell-and ethanol-based alternative energy projects last week, both projects having the backing of the Department of Energy. A switch was flipped in Freeport, TX, on a General Motors fuel cell -the first used to generate electricity at Dow Chemical's chemical complex at the location. The cell generates 75 kW of electricity, enough for about 60 homes. Following 4-6 months of testing, GM and Dow will install 12 more modules, generating 1 MW. Some 400 units are planned by 2006, producing 35 MW and supplying about 2% of the site's power needs. For Dow, the fuel cells are a test of a technology whereby it can use byproduct hydrogen more efficiently than burning or selling it to industrial gas companies. Elsewhere, Novozymes has achieved a 12-fold reduction in the cost of making cellulase, an enzyme needed to convert the cellulose in biomass into glucose for fermentation to fuel ethanol (see p 6).
Chemical and Engineering News, 16 Feb 2004, 82 (7), 12
COMPANY NEWS
In a very difficult business environment, Akzo Nobel's Chemicals turned in a robust performance in 2003 thanks to cost-cutting. Sales were down 4% to โฌ4.4 bn and operating income declined 6% to โฌ324 M. The currencies' impact on sales was 7%. Base Chemicals and Catalysts posted strong performances which Pulp and Paper Chemicals reaped the benefits of cost savings. Restructuring in Polymer Chemicals and Surface Chemistry was intensified. It continued to invest in profitable and leadership positions in The Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, and Brazil. In Sep 2003, Akzo Nobel announced its intention to sell the Catalysts, Phosphorus Chemicals and Coating Resins businesses in order to create financial room to manoeuvre for the company.
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