Dow announces intent to invest in new world-scale carbonate solvents facility in the U.S.

Rhea-AI Summary

Dow (DOW) announces investment in ethylene derivatives capacity on the U.S. Gulf Coast to support the electric vehicle and energy storage markets. The project, selected for award negotiations by the U.S. Department of Energy, will establish a world-scale production facility capturing over 90% of carbon dioxide from manufacturing processes.

Market Research Analyst

From a market research perspective, Dow's investment in a production facility for carbonate solvents is a strategic move to solidify its position within the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage supply chain. Given the burgeoning EV market, the demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to surge. By expanding its MobilityScience™ portfolio, Dow is not only capitalizing on this growth but also enhancing its competitive edge by offering specialized, high-performance materials.

The collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering innovation and sustainability within the industry. The anticipated capture of carbon dioxide emissions in the manufacturing process is indicative of a shift towards more environmentally responsible production methods, which may become a benchmark for industry standards. This initiative may also prompt other companies to invest in similar technologies, potentially leading to a ripple effect of sustainable practices across the sector.

Environmental Policy Expert

The commitment to capturing over 90% of carbon dioxide emissions from the ethylene oxide manufacturing process aligns with broader environmental goals and demonstrates Dow's proactive approach to sustainability. This move is likely to resonate positively with stakeholders increasingly concerned with corporate environmental responsibility. The investment in low-carbon technology is a reflection of evolving regulatory landscapes and consumer preferences, which are progressively favoring eco-friendly products and practices.

Moreover, the involvement of the Department of Energy through the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations suggests a supportive regulatory environment for Dow's initiative, potentially offering the company a strategic advantage in terms of policy support and financial incentives. This could encourage other firms to seek similar collaborations, thereby accelerating the clean energy transition within the manufacturing sector.

Financial Analyst

Analyzing the financial implications of Dow's investment from an investor's standpoint, the project's selection by the Department of Energy for award negotiations could signal a robust confidence in its potential returns. The focus on capturing a significant market share in the EV and energy storage markets through this facility could lead to increased revenue streams for Dow, particularly as these markets expand.

The long-term benefits of this investment may include cost savings from energy-efficient operations and potential tax benefits associated with clean energy initiatives. However, investors should also consider the capital expenditure required for such a large-scale facility and the time needed for the project to reach full operational capacity. The impact on Dow's financials will likely be more apparent in the medium to long term as the facility ramps up production and begins to supply the growing EV market.

• Investment will serve increasing demand in the electric vehicle and energy storage markets in the U.S.
• New world-scale production facility will capture a significant portion of carbon dioxide from its manufacturing processes
• Project was selected for award negotiations by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations

MIDLAND, Mich., March 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dow (NYSE: DOW) announced today the intent to invest in ethylene derivatives capacity on the U.S. Gulf Coast, including the production of carbonate solvents, critical components to the supply chain of lithium-ion batteries. This investment supports growth in domestic electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage markets and builds on Dow's successful track record of growth projects, including the recent global alkoxylation capacity expansions expected to come online in the next two years in U.S. Gulf Coast and Europe.

Dow is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) and was selected for award negotiations to establish a world-scale carbonate solvents production facility for lithium-ion battery production on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The project is supported by agreements with customers, including leading EV original equipment manufacturers and electrolyte manufacturers.

This facility will capture more than 90% of the carbon dioxide from the ethylene oxide manufacturing process and will utilize it to produce carbonate solvents needed for the electrification of vehicles and to strengthen the U.S. power grid through energy storage. This investment is in line with Dow and the U.S. government's goals to enable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the mobility and transportation sector by investing in supply chain resiliency for domestic battery and EV manufacturing.

"This announcement is an exciting proof point of Dow's Decarbonize & Grow strategy, paired with our MobilityScience™ capabilities and commitment to a sustainable future for the automotive industry," said Brendy Lange, Dow Industrial Solutions business vice president. "The support from the DOE is a critical enabler of this project, localizing the supply of low-carbon value-added products to help enable the clean energy transition while advancing the decarbonization of our own operations."

Carbonate solvents are an important component of the electrolyte inside lithium-ion batteries, which help to enhance battery performance and longevity, enabling the advancement and adoption of electric vehicle technology. They will expand Dow's high-performing MobilityScience™ portfolio to address Mobility industry challenges like decarbonization and improving EV performance.

As part of this investment, Dow is committed to enhancing its community in parallel. Dow will collaborate with new and existing partners in growing diverse suppliers, workforce development and education, economic development, and local and state government to address infrastructure needs.  

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world's leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility, and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com. 

For further information, please contact:
Molly Ekkens	Mary Fournier
+1 989-430-8735	+1 989-636-7475
MEEkkens@dow.com	MKFournier@dow.com

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SOURCE The Dow Chemical Company

What is Dow's (DOW) recent investment announcement about?

Dow (DOW) announced the intent to invest in ethylene derivatives capacity on the U.S. Gulf Coast, including the production of carbonate solvents critical for lithium-ion batteries.

Who selected Dow (DOW) for award negotiations related to this investment?

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations selected Dow (DOW) for award negotiations.

What percentage of carbon dioxide will the new production facility capture?

The facility will capture more than 90% of the carbon dioxide from the ethylene oxide manufacturing process.

How will the investment benefit the electric vehicle and energy storage markets?

The investment will support growth in domestic electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage markets by producing carbonate solvents needed for lithium-ion batteries.

What is the focus of Dow's (DOW) collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations?

Dow (DOW) is collaborating to establish a world-scale carbonate solvents production facility for lithium-ion battery production on the U.S. Gulf Coast.