+
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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code