Shell CTO: Not All Climate Tech Available
Technology

Shell CTO: Not All Climate Tech Available

Shell's Chief Technology Officer, Yuri Sebregts, challenges the notion that all necessary technologies for decarbonisation are readily available. He disputes claims that current technologies alone are sufficient to combat climate change. While electrifying personal mobility is achievable, the decarbonisation of industries like aviation, shipping, and energy production presents considerable challenges.

Sebregts acknowledges that to be impactful, technologies must be commercially viable and scalable. He highlights the need for substantial technological development in industries such as steel, cement, plastics, and fertilisers, which collectively account for a significant portion of global energy consumption.

Shell invests around $1 billion annually in research and development, with a focus on decarbonisation technologies. The company is involved in projects related to third-generation biofuels and a new electrolyzer system to reduce green hydrogen costs. Sebregts underscores the necessity of technological breakthroughs to make green hydrogen more cost-effective, and he sees potential in direct air capture technology for carbon removal.

Sebregts suggests that direct air capture has advantages, including flexibility in its deployment and reduced transport costs, even though capturing CO2 directly from the air is more challenging due to lower CO2 concentrations. He points out that this technology can be particularly useful in regions with abundant renewable energy resources and limited infrastructure.

Shell's Chief Technology Officer, Yuri Sebregts, challenges the notion that all necessary technologies for decarbonisation are readily available. He disputes claims that current technologies alone are sufficient to combat climate change. While electrifying personal mobility is achievable, the decarbonisation of industries like aviation, shipping, and energy production presents considerable challenges. Sebregts acknowledges that to be impactful, technologies must be commercially viable and scalable. He highlights the need for substantial technological development in industries such as steel, cement, plastics, and fertilisers, which collectively account for a significant portion of global energy consumption. Shell invests around $1 billion annually in research and development, with a focus on decarbonisation technologies. The company is involved in projects related to third-generation biofuels and a new electrolyzer system to reduce green hydrogen costs. Sebregts underscores the necessity of technological breakthroughs to make green hydrogen more cost-effective, and he sees potential in direct air capture technology for carbon removal. Sebregts suggests that direct air capture has advantages, including flexibility in its deployment and reduced transport costs, even though capturing CO2 directly from the air is more challenging due to lower CO2 concentrations. He points out that this technology can be particularly useful in regions with abundant renewable energy resources and limited infrastructure.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

BLR Airport crosses 41 million passengers, 500,000 MT cargo

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport), has recorded key operational milestones in FY 2024-25, crossing 41.88 million passengers and handling 502,480 metric tonnes of cargo. This marks a year-on-year passenger growth of 11.6 per cent and a 14 per cent rise in cargo volumes.Domestic footfall reached 36.05 million, up 10 per cent, while international traffic saw a robust 25 per cent jump to 5.83 million, aided by Indigo’s global expansion and added frequencies by international carriers. BLR Airport now connects to 76 domestic and 33 international destinations, with Hanoi set..

Next Story
Equipment

JK Tyre opens Truck Wheels Centre in Muzaffarnagar

JK Tyre & Industries has expanded its retail footprint with the launch of a new JK Tyre Truck Wheels Centre in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Operated by Hemkunt Transport Company, the facility is located strategically on the Muzaffarnagar-Bhopa State Highway and spans 7,500 square feet.The brand shop offers a complete range of services for commercial vehicles, including tyre sales, fittings, servicing, and a product display to guide customer choices. It is equipped with trained technical advisors, an information kiosk, and JK Tyre’s range of Smart and Fuel Efficient tyres.“In key trans..

Next Story
Products

World Health Day: Merino pushes wellness with FABWood innovation

On World Health Day, Merino Industries highlighted the importance of health-first materials in interior spaces with its advanced chipboard solution, FABWood. Designed to promote indoor well-being, FABWood uses E1-grade chipboard that significantly reduces formaldehyde emissions—addressing key concerns about indoor air quality and safety.FABWood is built with Merino’s proprietary ChipWeave Technology, delivering strength, impact resistance, and screw-holding power—making it ideal for furniture, panelling, and structural applications. The product blends durability with sustainable innovati..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?