Transport Technology Innovations Needed For Decarbonization

Innovations in Transport Technology Needed For Global Decarbonization, World Energy Congress Panel Concludes

• Number of cars worldwide expected to double by 2050
• New technologies can cut transport emissions, which account for 23% of global CO2 pollution (40% from passenger cars)
• But “no real alternative to petrol”, says panellist

World Energy Congress, Daegu, Korea, 14 October 2013: With the total number of cars in the world expected to double to around 2.6 billion vehicles by 2050, governments and the automotive industry must find ways to decarbonise the transportation sector if global CO2 emissions are to be cut, the World Energy Congress was told today.

However, Olivier Appert, Chairman and CEO of IFP Energies Nouvelles, warned during a headline panel session on the future of transport, “At the moment, there is no real alternative to petrol.”

Designing smaller, fuel-efficient engines and improving alternative sources of energy, such as biofuel technology, are the two key ways to most effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he said. But efforts must be coordinated across the whole stakeholder spectrum.

Jerome Ferrier, President of the France-based International Gas Union, agreed that other sources of fuel should be sought but proposed using cleaner fossil fuels, in particular LNG or other non-petrol based fuels.

“Natural gas is not a game changer,” he said, but will lead to CO2 reduction in the transportation sector. While seeing progress in estimates that by 2015. 40 million vehicles worldwide will run on natural gas, he noted that this would still be only 5% of all units on the road.

At the same time, some policymakers say that the best solution to climate change is greater use of renewable resources driving new vehicle development.

“Electric engines are the most efficient vehicles”, said Martine Ouellet. Minister of Natural Resources of Québec, who explained that her province has enacted a series of policies in order to reduce its carbon footprint.

About the World Energy Council (WEC)
Founded in 1923, the World Energy Council is the only truly global and inclusive forum for thought-leadership and tangible engagement committed to our sustainable energy future. Our network of 93 national committees represents over 3,000 member organizations including governments, industry and expert institutions. Our mission is to promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all. The World Energy Congress is the world's premier energy gathering.

Further details at www.worldenergy.org and @WECouncil

About the World Energy Congress
The World Energy Congress is the triennial flagship event of the World Energy Council. It has gained recognition since the first event in 1924 as the premier global forum for leaders and thinkers to debate solutions to energy issues. In addition to the discussions, the event provides an opportunity for executives to display their technologies and explore business opportunities. With the upcoming Congress in Daegu the event will have been held in 20 major cities around the world since its founding.

Further details at www.daegu2013.kr and @WECongress

ENDS

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