Sustainable energy for the marine sector

Abstract

Most scientists agree that climate change is affected by anthropogenic factors, and measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions are being considered among countries. The maritime transportation sector must bear its share of responsibility for adopting corrective innovative measures on a global scale. The authors projected the energy consumption and emissions of different marine transportation types in 2050 and applied the model of stabilization wedges to explore activities and technologies to deduce policies that would lead to sustainable marine propulsion. Three percent of the global emissions reductions -about 44GtCO2/y- required to stabilize the temperature under 2°C above current levels must come from the maritime sector. To meet a reduction target of this segment, about 1.67GtCO2/y in 2050, we propose a range of technologies that include mission refinement, resistance reduction, prime mover and propulsion innovation, and new fuels. The authors find that the goal is partially attainable and proposes the balance to be delivered by dedicated land-based synfuel refineries that use carbon dioxide from coal power plants and hydrogen produced from sustainable sources, an approach that would extend the lifecycle of conventional prime movers. We await the adoption of suitable technologies to reduce the emissions in the maritime sector.