Future of energy – research opportunities and challenges by Dr. Vijay Swarup | Department of Energy Science and Engineering

Location and Date:

Wednesday, 9 October, 2019, 12:00 noon, Seminar Hall, Second Floor, DESE-CESE Building

Abstract:

Society faces the dual challenge of providing reliable and affordable energy while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions to reduce the risks of climate change. By 2040 the global population will grow from 7 to more than 9 billion and energy demand is likely to increase by 25% even with efficiency gains. Currently, more than 1 billion people do not have electricity and 2.7 billion lack access to modern cooking fuels. Future energy will need to be not only reliable, affordable, and scalable but also sustainable. This is a particular challenge in developing countries and is key for driving the expansion of the global middle class.

This talk provides an overview of ExxonMobil’s energy outlook, key drivers, and technology approaches to address these challenges. Long-range technology themes ranging from hydrocarbon and renewable energy systems to climate science are highlighted. Attention is focused on delivering low emissions technologies including low energy separations, carbon capture and storage, and biofuels. Such technologies have potential to diversify the energy mix, increase energy efficiency, and reduce emissions.

Dr Vijay Swrup is with the ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company.