The Dow Chemical Company recently hosted a meeting with Vice President Joe Biden at its Midland, Michigan headquarters. During the event, Dow highlighted several of its major green tech initiatives that concentrate on the global need for alternative energy production and storage. Dow has already realized $750 million in federal and state economic incentives and has applied them to these initiatives. In addition to producing breakthrough technologies and new manufacturing facilities, the company's projects have generated thousands of jobs, making mid-Michigan a green tech hub.
One of the many projects featured during the event was the new DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles. This innovative product incorporates
low-cost, thin-film CIGS photovoltaic cells into a proprietary roofing shingle design, which represents a multi-functional solar energy generating roofing product. This pioneering design results in reduced installation costs, thanks to simultaneous installation of both conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles. No specialized skill or knowledge of solar array installations is required on the part of the roofing contractor. Dow's breakthrough diesel particulate filters were also showcased. The company's diesel particulate filter (DPF) technology helps reduce soot emissions, and promote exceptional fuel efficiency and performance from diesel engines.
In addition to displaying some fuel efficiency and performance benefits of its recent innovations, Dow's green tech programs also show the positive
results achieved when government and industry work together. By utilizing its unique position in the industry and its association with nearly every
economic sector, Dow developed an Advanced Manufacturing Plan. This plan's focus is on lowering structural costs which are currently stifling U.S. manufacturing. It establishes broad policy framework that will encourage economic growth while also considering a multitude of issues ranging from climate change to education to tax reform. The company believes that such pro-manufacturing policies will enable companies to create more high-paying jobs. Vice President Biden's visit coincided with a groundbreaking ceremony for a facility that will manufacture lithium-ion battery packs for hybrid and electric vehicles. His appearance is part of a six-week, nationwide focus on economic Recovery Act infrastructure projects. The facility is part of a joint venture between Dow and TK Advanced Battery, LLC. It is being built by Dow Kokam, and will employ more than 800 people and have the capacity to manufacture 1.3 billion watt hours of large format, affordable, lithium-ion batteries.
To continue driving innovation and economic re-investment, Dow will also continue with its record investments in research and development (R&D).
In 2010, the company is investing $1.6 billion in R&D, which is more than the combined R&D budgets of every university chemistry department in the United States.
