The Role of Technology in the Outlook for Energy

ExxonMobil is investing in technologies for improving energy efficiency, increasing energy supplies, and mitigating CO₂ emissions. Energy efficiency technologies affecting transportation include advanced plastics for light-weighting, advanced lubricants, and improved tire inner-liners. Technologies to increase supply include unconventional gas and next generation biofuels. The most significant trend in U.S. natural gas production is the rapid rise in production from shale formations attributable to significant advances in the use of horizontal drilling and well stimulation technologies.

Biofuel from algae has potential as an economically viable, low net carbon emission transportation fuel. In the area of technologies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, Dr. Bhore will describe the LaBarge Shute Creek facility in Wyoming where ExxonMobil has been capturing, transporting, and selling CO₂ since 1987 at rates up to 4 million metric tons of CO₂ per year. Bottom line: an integrated set of solutions will be needed to meet an estimated 35% increased demand for energy in 2040.

Anyone outside NIST wishing to attend must be sponsored by a NIST employee and receive a visitor badge.

For more information, contact Stephanie Shaw at 301-975-2667.

Colloquia are videotaped and available in the NIST Research Library.