An Energy Transition That Relies Only on Technology Leads to a Bet on Solar Fuels

Abstract

Oscar Kraan obtained his PhD in 2019 from Leiden University on the thesis entitled “On the Emergence of the Energy Transition.” His thesis work, done in collaboration between Leiden University and Shell, focused on the development and application of agent-based simulation models for the energy transition. Oscar holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Leiden University and a master’s degree in energy science from Utrecht University. Currently Oscar works as Senior Strategy Consultant at Monitor Deloitte in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where he focuses on strategic questions in the energy industry. Gert Jan Kramer holds a PhD in physics from Leiden University (1988). After his PhD, he joined Shell, and since 2000 his work has increasingly focused on alternative fuels (notably hydrogen) and renewable energy. Since May 2016 he is Professor of Sustainable Energy Supply Systems at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. From January 1, 2018 onward Gert Jan is head of the Energy & Resources group within this institute. His interest is in the energy transition as a technical and a socio-technical phenomenon. Martin Haigh has been working in Shell’s Scenarios Team for the last 15 years. Martin’s background is in mathematics, with experience in mathematical and economic modeling in the energy industry. He has led the development of Shell’s World Energy Model, which has underpinned all recent Shell scenario rounds, including the Sky scenario. He has jointly authored papers on energy technology deployment, and the long-term potential for renewables. Martin works with many institutions, including MIT’s Climate Science team, the IEA, and a UK universities group focused on energy systems modeling. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. Chris Laurens holds an MSC and PhD in physics from Groningen University (1999). After his PhD, he joined McKinsey & Company, where he was leader of the Energy Practice and the Abu Dhabi Office. He served over 30 clients in the energy sector on topics ranging from strategy, investments, energy markets design, and decarbonization. After McKinsey, he joined Shell, where he focused on new energy technologies, the energy transition, power market fundamentals, and Shell’s investments in power, hydrogen, and biofuels. Recently, he joined ADNOC, where he focuses on long-term strategy and growth.