AHKSY Asahi Kaisai Corp (PK)

DuPont’s (DD) senior vice president James Collins is delivering an address today on tackling the world’s toughest challenges through science-based solutions, at the 2013 Total Energy USA Conference. The address is titled ‘Science of Securing our Energy Future.’

DuPont has been contributing to the energy sector through its innovations in traditional and renewable energy technologies. Construction of the company’s cellulosic biorefineries is underway in Nevada, lowa. The biorefinery will use agricultural waste from neighboring farms as a feedstock and annually supply 30 million gallons of cellulosic renewable fuel.

DuPont has formed a 50/50 joint venture called Butamax with BP to advance renewable fuel. Butamax has developed bio-butanol, a higher alcohol fuel produced by fermenting biomass which has been tested extensively.

DuPont’s specialty materials are widely used in the solar energy industry. More than half of world’s 400 million solar panels are built using its advanced materials. DuPont Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride films and DuPont Solamet photovoltaic metallization are two such solar panels. The innovations help in overall cost reduction of solar energy and increases the power output and reliability of solar panels.

The company’s high-performing polymers enhance vehicle engine efficiency, facilitate lower emissions and improve fuel economy. It also removes harmful contaminants from the air by licensing clean technologies that process sour refinery fuels and off-gases, thus meeting global fuel and air quality regulations.

DuPont is a finalist in the Mid-Large Cap category for the Total Energy USA Chairman’s Innovation Award for the above mentioned work. It is also sponsoring a workshop named ‘Defining Renewable Energy Reserves’ on Nov 21 in Houston, TX. The discussions at the workshop will be regarding the application of UN’s Fossil Resource Reserve Methodology to renewable electricity and fuels.

DuPont currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Other companies in the chemical industry worth considering include Methanex Corp. (MEOH), Asahi Kasei Corp. (AHKSY) and PPG Industries Inc. (PPG). While both Methanex and Asahi Kasei hold a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), PPG Industries retains a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

 
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