Chief technology officer of Royal Dutch Shell spells out global energy challenges

According to Gerald Schotman, chief technology officer of Royal Dutch Shell, the world will continue to encounter multiple challenges in terms of meeting energy demands over the next few decades. Schotman said that by 2050, the world’s population, which is currently at 7 billion, is expected to reach 9 billion and global energy demand will double. More oil and gas sources will have to be found and processed, including renewable and alternative sources of energy like biofuels, solar and wind power. He said that fossil fuels will continue to be indispensable, and that by 2050, oil and gas will still account for two-thirds of global energy supply. He sees the promotion of hybrid engines as a way to move forward because the technology uses a combination of fossil fuels and alternative energy. Schotman pointed out that the need to better manage carbon dioxide emissions is urgent, if we are to mitigate the effects of climate change. He also emphasized that since oil and gas are becoming harder and more expensive to find and process, new technology and more operational excellence are necessary. As an energy scientist, he believes that there is enough supply of crude oil for another 100 years and the supply of gas will be good for another 200 years. (February 11, 2012)