DuPont Hosts a Global Collaboratory on Energy

SAO PAULO, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- By 2035, global demand for energy will increase by almost 40 percent, and currently over 1.5 billion people are without access to electricity worldwide, almost all of whom live in developing countries.  Defining a future energy path is the focus of an evening debate in Sao Paulo with DuPont and key global partners, moderated by BBC World News host Adam Shaw.

In 2010, almost 45 percent of Brazil's energy needs were supplied from renewable sources.  Impressive next to the global figure of only 13 percent.  In the next decade, demand for energy is expected to increase by around 60 percent in Brazil.  "I cannot think of a better place to discuss and debate the global challenge of securing our energy future," said Thomas M. Connelly, executive vice president and chief innovation officer for DuPont.  "We have to work right now to gain grid parity for solar and wind power, and to make biofuels fully competitive with oil-based fuels globally, as is already the case in Brazil.  We must transform these energy sources from the margins to the mainstream."

DuPont set the stage in Sao Paulo bringing together a panel of distinguished experts – all of whom believe that working together, we can address one of the most important challenges our generation faces – a world that can adequately meet its energy needs now and in the future.  Panelists include:

• Eduardo Wanick, president for DuPont Latin America
• Marcos Jank, CEO for Brazilian Sugarcane Association
• Jose Goldemberg, professor emeritus of the Sao Paulo University and former secretary of the environment
• Felipe Faria, Governmental & Institutional Relations, Green Building Council Brazil

"The tremendous opportunities around biofuels, photovoltaic and wind energy in Brazil motivate us to collaborate with customers and partners to develop innovative and sustainable market-driven solutions that will address important challenges of the present and the future," highlights Eduardo W. Wanick, president for DuPont Latin America.

DuPont also marked their sponsorship of the upcoming second series of the BBC World News program Horizons, presented by award-winning BBC business journalist and tonight's host, Adam Shaw.  This series of Horizons continues the journey across the globe in search of the ideas and businesses that may succeed over the next decade in tackling the planet's biggest challenges.  The new season of Horizons will air on BBC World News, in over 200 countries and territories around the world beginning on April 7.  For information on the program, visit www.horizonsbusiness.com, Facebook.com/horizonsTVseries and on Twitter at @horizonsbiz and @adamshaw_biz.

At DuPont, we believe this is the moment to define our collective energy future.  The energy challenge affects our security, our economy and the environment around us.  Solving this challenge requires leadership and collaboration that we have not yet seen.  We are working with our global partners to help the world transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable alternatives.

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.

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SOURCE DuPont