Reducing Carbon Emissions from Transport

Oil derived liquids are at present the most cost efficient transport fuels and the most efficient energy storage materials available to us.

A number of different strategies for reducing carbon emissions from transport are required, the realisation of which will require contributions from chemical scientists.  In essence technologies are required to make vehicles more efficient and to provide alternatives to fossil fuels:

. The fuel efficiency of vehicles must be improved through the use lightweight materials and fuel/engine additives to increase engine efficiency
. Development of battery technology for hybrid vehicles will enable their more widespread acceptability.
. Similar technological challenges face the development of fully electric vehicles as those facing the development of hybrid cars, except the electricity should be generated from renewable or non-carbon based sources to have a significant effect on carbon emissions.
. Biofuels are a renewable, carbon neutral source of vehicle power but many technological challenges must be overcome for their widespread use to be practicable.
. Hydrogen power vehicles too require many technological challenges be overcome before they can become a reality.
. Reducing carbon emission from air transport too presents challenges: use of lightweight materials will yield improved efficiency