Chemical industry beats energy saving target

London -- Government climate change agreement (CCA) figures for 2006 show that the UK chemical sector has improved its energy efficiency by 20% since 1998 -- exceeding its CCA target of 18% for last year, according to the Chemical Industries Association.

The results reflect how chemical businesses have been driving forward energy efficiency programmes and have been achieved despite the impact of excessively high gas prices in the first quarter of 2006, said Nick Sturgeon, CIA's Head of Climate Change and Energy unit.

”Secure and competitive energy supplies are key to industrial efficiency and will ultimately help the planet's quest to tackle climate change,” said Sturgeon. “Even with the recent introduction of new gas supply infrastructure we should not be complacent about the effects of a cold winter in the short term, and it is vital that Energy White Paper policies are converted into action to ensure long term security of supply.”