Shell Lubricants says there is no “silver bullet” when addressing future fuel needs, noting around two-thirds of vehicles will continue to use conventional propulsion in nearly 40 years time.
Addressing the recent Shell Energy and Technology Forum near Paris, Shell general manager technology, commercial & industrial fields and lubricants, Richard Tucker, outlined the need to prepare for a mix of energy solutions.
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“The reality is – and this is quite a widely-held view – by 2050 two-thirds of vehicles are still likely to use more or less current engine technology and use more or less current fuels,” he said.
“There is no silver bullet – it is a mosaic. There will be an uptick in various alternatives. All fuel options will be needed.”
Continuing the theme of the diversity of energy solutions, Shell LNG applications technologist, Stuart Macdonald, cited the benefits of liquefied natural gas, for example in heavy duty environments.
“We are talking about a cheaper fuel and a cleaner-burning fuel,” he said, addressing the same Shell conference in Paris.
“LNG can offer up to a 25% improvement in greenhouse gas footprint. LNG offers a very attractive way of meeting environmental regulations.”
Shell vice president global commercial technology, Selda Gunsel, said it “was clear” the world would need more energy with for example, the number of vehicles expected to triple by 2050.
Part of that huge growth is being driven by China and to that end Shell Lubricants is opening a facility in Shanghai next year.
“We see co-development solutions together and promote the science and technology of lubricants in terms of meeting the key needs of China around energy and emissions,” she said, noting the “passion” of the Shell division’s 500 employees.
“What really makes the difference is our people,” she said. “They have a passion for technological innovation and provide meaningful solutions to improve our society.”
