GENEVA, Switzerland, May 4, 2012 – DuPont today hosted journalists from across Europe at the inaugural ‘DuPont Energy Forum’ in the European Technical Center in Geneva. The open house event showcased current and future innovations, technologies and partnerships that are helping to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and secure a sustainable energy future.
“This is the first time we have opened our doors in such a way and explained to the media our science and innovation in the region,” said Ian Hudson, President, DuPont Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA). “We are planning on holding other similar events with members of the media to create a better understanding of how DuPont science is helping to find sustainable solutions for the world’s greatest challenges of the 21st century—those that are driven by population growth: food, energy, and protection,” continued Mr. Hudson.
Detailed lab visits and workshops with leaders and scientists enabled the invited journalists to explore the science DuPont can bring to the automotive and photovoltaic industries—two industries where DuPont has longstanding relationships and collaborations in Europe.
The three main areas that participants saw included:
The technology, development and design of the next generation of photovoltaic energy solutions designed for commercial rooftops. An interactive session with an industrial designer visualized the optimization of materials science applied to the design of innovative systems that are pushing the boundaries of photovoltaic energy solutions.
Collaboration with the automotive industry that is enabling the creation of new solutions to improve energy performance.
Several applications for bio-based materials, which are increasingly being recognized as sustainable replacement for fossil-based resources in many industries, with the special feature of a unique collaboration in the textile processing industry.
“By hosting this forum, we were able to demonstrate some key areas where DuPont is driving innovation, supporting energy sustainability across the automotive, photovoltaic and textile industries,” said Simone Arizzi, Technology and Innovation Director EMEA. “With DuPont science we can help develop and bring to market cost-effective sustainable energy solutions and advance increased energy efficiency in buildings and transportation, while at the same time finding new ways to more efficiently consume fossil fuels”.
The Forum coincided with the official crossing of the finish line of the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, the world’s largest solar powered boat, after an around-the-world trip which began in September 2010. As an official supplier of PlanetSolar, DuPont displayed a video of the boat’s world tour and arrival at its final stop in Monaco and more details can be found at:
The European Technical Center in Geneva was created in 1989 and is the region’s primary research, product development and customer support center. More than 250 people, including chemists, engineers, technicians, and support functions work at the ETC, supporting 30% of EMEA revenues as well as global developments. The site is the origin of many global DuPont innovations especially in solar energy and in energy efficient technologies and applications for car manufacturers and their suppliers.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit
http://www.dupont.com.
Contact:
Mike Hall
Public Affairs Leader Western Europe
DuPont Coordination Center
Avenue des Arts, 44
B-1040, Brussels
Belgium
Office Tel. +32 2 663 5994
Mob. +32 473 630 762
Email: Mike.Hall@dupont.com
