Back to the Future on Energy

Energy is a very important factor in process automation. Energy efficiency enhancements were key sources of economic justification in the pioneering projects of the early 1960s and have grown in stature over the ensuing decades. Process automation-enabled improvements in energy usage have made critical contributions to worldwide prosperity over the last 35-40 years.

Prosperity rests on maintaining world class productivity. The investment boom in the North American petrochemical sector can pull other industries along with it spreading the virtuous cycle of lower-cost energy. Export surpluses are the hallmark of a world class industry.  With a rejuvenated energy sector, the chemical industry can lead the nation into a new era of prosperity.