When it comes to technology and innovation, no one can predict what the future will bring. Martin Haigh’s job for Shell is looking to possible alternate futures for global energy as the 21st century progresses.

People’s choices today, says Adam Newton of Shell, will make a big difference in what the future of energy use will look like.

Robert Blaauw of Shell International participated in the Commission on Arctic Climate Change, which issued a report and recommendations in spring 2011.

Energy demand is growing, especially as emerging economies demand their share. How might global energy supply and demand come to balance in the coming decades?

Schotman said modern gas plants emit up to 60 to 70 percent less CO2 than traditional coal plants. He said natural gas can be chilled and compressed into what’s called liquefied natural gas, or LNG.

GameChanger sponsors entrepreneurs to work on new ways to produce and distribute energy.

Between two and three billion people don’t have access to basic energy services. Bishop said his team looks for solutions that can scale up, or be replicated all over the world.

Shell Springboard has awarded over 1.6 million British pounds to 43 small businesses across the U.K. to help them to implement ideas to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Marvin Odum, president of Shell Oil, gives Shell’s perspective on the most immediate solutions to climate change and the role the U.S. should take in the global efforts to reduce global warming.

“With some clear thinking, with some good structure, and international agreement, we can actually shape a different energy future,” says Hone.

The Shell executive says that businesses will need to work together with governments all over the world to successfully control global warming from burning fossil fuels.

Renewable energy may be the ideal, but it doesn’t happen overnight. “In the meantime, we must start managing the CO2 emissions from fossil fuel emitting power stations, refineries, steel plants, and so on. And carbon capture and storage is the only technology that allows us to do that,” says Barry.

The Shell scientist says that while fossil fuels dominate the world’s energy of today, he sees a coming shift to energy like biofuels, wind and solar.

Today, fossil fuels still supply most of the world’s energy needs. Energy demand by people around the world is growing as the global population increases. It’s logical to ask if the world is running out of oil.

Dr. van der Eijk, Chief Technology Officer for Shell, said, “The Earth is warming up. Scientists are telling us that. Scientists also tell us that it is very likely related to the increase in CO2 levels that are caused by the use of fossil energy.”

An expert speaks of trends in fuels and mobility. He envisions significant changes in engine efficiency and the amount of fuels that cars will require.

Shell scientist Willem Schulte says advanced oil recovery technology could help us access vast amounts of oil that remain trapped underground.

Nanotechnology has the potential to help us produce more energy, says Shell scientist Sergio Kapusta. Hear Kapusta talk about the applications of nanotechnology to renewable energy.

Biofuels could be a significant contributor to reducing future carbon dioxide emissions, says biochemist Mike Goosey of Shell’s Thornton Research and Technology Center in the UK.

Biochemist Mike Goosey of Shell describes the search for non-food sources for the ‘next generation’ of biofuels and the development of processes to convert them to fuel.

Vinegar talks about a new, more eco-friendly oil recovery process that uses giant underground heaters to help thick, old oil flow more freely.

Earth’s growing population means more vehicles, and more pollution. A Shell scientist describes a gas-to-liquids process for a cleaner-burning fuel.

Jan van der Eijk is Chief Technology Officer for Shell. In this 12-minute Clear Voices for Science podcast, he discusses what he calls the “three hard truths” of meeting the world’s energy needs.