Overview

• Dow Chemical is assessing temporary shutdown or permanent closure of its Schkopau and Böhlen plants, a move that could eliminate 500 jobs directly.
• Christof Günther, head of Chemiepark Leuna, warns that closures would disrupt the integrated chemical cluster, weakening supply chains and regional competitiveness.
• Günther emphasizes the broader economic impact, noting that each chemical job supports three additional jobs in related sectors.
• He urges the German government to revise its energy policy, advocating for the resumption of Russian pipeline gas and reconsideration of domestic shale gas extraction.
• The Mitteldeutsches Chemiedreieck faces mounting pressure from high energy prices, dense regulation, and insufficient baseload power, jeopardizing its global competitiveness.