The Energy Challenge: Providing Sustainable Supplies to Meet Growing Demand

As economies grow and living standards improve, the world faces a dual energy challenge: meeting the growing demand for energy while mitigating emissions and their impact on the environment. ExxonMobil believes that addressing this dual challenge requires an integrated set of solutions which includes increasing the supply of all commercially viable energy sources, reducing emissions, and improving energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy. Technology will be a key enabler of continued progress in all of these areas.

Many experts agree that the immense scale of global energy demand necessitates a continuing role for oil and gas as a substantial portion of the energy supply mix for at least the next several decades. These experts also forecast that the overall energy mix will shift toward a relatively higher level of sustainability through a combination of increased efficiency across the economy, growth in lower-carbon sources of energy, and development and deployment of technologies that help mitigate emissions.

ExxonMobil has developed a number of technologies that contribute to increased supplies of energy, reduced emissions, and higher efficiency in its operations and in consumer use of its products. The presentation will provide an overview of ongoing research and development activity in a broad range of technology areas including algae-based biofuels. It will also highlight some of company's current technologies including lithium-ion battery separator films, lightweight plastics that improve automotive efficiency, and processes that could advance carbon capture and storage.