AN ASIAN PERSPECTIVE ON FUEL DEVELOPMENT: BALANCING LOCAL AIR QUALITY AND GLOBAL WARMING

Abstract:

World energy demand is projected to double by 2050 and conventional oil and gas is becoming harder to find and produce. More energy use means more CO2 emitted at a time when climate change looms as a critical global issue. Addressing these challenges in the road transport sector means focusing attention on fuel options that can reduce “well to wheel” CO2 and use of more fuel efficient vehicles, as well as measures to improve mobility efficiency (public transport, road pricing etc).Vehicles and fuels need to be seen and developed as a system. Learning from specification development outside Asia can be used to develop an improved approach that addresses both key local air quality issues while also balancing CO2 impacts. While better air quality and reduction of CO2 and other green house gas emissions take the center stage, other key drivers such as energy security, sustainable economic development and quick adoption of efficient technologies need to be factored into a balanced approach.