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Sustainability Seminar Series | Some Observations on the Difficulty of Decarbonizing Road Transport
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-Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
-Time: 2:00 pm (Arabian Standard Time)
-Location: Auditorium B4&B5
-Zoom: https://kaust.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3YkdNlpFT1Oj6goRXR3ZaA#/registration
Abstract
The lecture presents some of the challenges involved when attempting to decarbonize road transport. It makes some observations which are often overlooked, or not even thought of, which stem from the extreme utility that has been afforded by the incumbent technology – the internal combustion engine. It starts by discussing that technology, the reason for its dominance, then outlines the practical difference between heavy-duty and light-duty transport, and how they can and should be considered and dealt with separately. The recent slowdown in electric car sales is discussed against these factors, and other complicating factors relating to the market penetration of electric vehicles are discussed, such as materials availability, infrastructure, and now safety. The failures of policy which have led to the current situation are suggested to be fundamental, including a miscalculation in backing a winner rather than allowing all possible solutions to compete.
A potential solution is put forward, together with an observation on the likely negative impact on the climate of the path which has been followed so far, and how the time is rapidly approaching when people must be held accountable for their actions. The lecture concludes with a call for more options to be specifically allowed, rather than merely discounted through ideological beliefs, with all alternatives competing on a level playing field. Allowing all possible solutions, rather than restricting to only one (which subsequently fails to deliver), is suggested to be the only sensible course of action.
About the speaker
Dr James Turner is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at KAUST. He has a M.Eng. degree from City University, London, and a Ph.D. from Loughborough University. He had a 28-year career in industry, spending over 21 of them working at Lotus Engineering; he has also worked at Norton Motorcycles, Cosworth, and Jaguar Land Rover. After this, and before moving to KAUST, he was Professor of Engines and Energy Systems at the University of Bath in the UK. He has 37 years of experience in the field of internal combustion engines and is a specialist in the field of spark-ignition combustion, pressure charging, alcohol fuels, and engine and powertrain concepts. He has published over 200 papers and book chapters in these areas. In addition to his specializations, he is interested in renewable energy and its application to the transport sector, with particular emphasis on the use of and possibilities afforded by alcohol fuels and hydrogen.
This event is brought to you by Students for Sustainability, with the support of the Office of Student Life and the Office of Sustainability. Should you have any questions, please contact us via our social media platforms.