WHAT'S THE ISSUE?

As the world looks to alternative sources of energy, companies known until now as oil and gas giants are being forced to rethink their operations. Shell, for example, says it wants to be a net zero emissions energy business by 2050 or possibly sooner, and needs to meet increasing customer demand for help to de-carbonize.

Here, Ulrika Wising, Global Vice President of Customer Solutions and Renewable Energy Solutions at Shell, explains how traditional energy companies are planning to survive in a cleaner future.

MEET THE EXPERT

Ulrika Wising, is Global Vice President for Customer Solutions and Renewables & Energy Solutions at Shell. Her job is to support new and existing customers on their de-carbonization journey.

Ulrika's work experience shows a wide variety of business and transformational leadership roles. Prior to Shell she was the head of Solar and Battery storage at Macquarie, she's led several teams with DNV GL, and she was the CEO of a start-up in data mining which she turned into a growing business. She holds a PHD in Chemical Engineering.

WHAT DOES WISING SAY?

Wising tells Stephen that helping customers in the transition of their energy use to cleaner options will ultimately reduce the of the energy footprint of Shell. "The customers will want less and less carbon intensive products. And in doing so, we shift our production to those type of products and also then de-carbonize."

But Wising adds that some of its customers – notably the large planes of the aviation industry – will still need conventional fuel even in 2050: "By then, we must work with the aviation industry to help them deal with those emissions that are left. And the answer is likely going to involve balancing those emissions through nature or technology."

What's next?

Wising believes fossil fuels will play a key role in decades to come and not just for energy, but for a lot of the other things that we need for our day to day lives. But she's also clear that the oil giants – like Shell – can't ignore the demand for cleaner, low carbon fuels, so as its customers transition to a net zero emission future – Shell will have to change with them.

ALSO ON THE AGENDA:

Joseph McMonigle, Secretary-General of the International Energy Forum explains the impact of COVID-19 on global demand for fossil fuels.

Dr. Jonathan Cobh from the World Nuclear Association tells us just where nuclear power fits in to the power demands of the future.

Francesco La Camera, director general of International Renewable Energy Agency explains why he is confident that de-carbonization goals can be achieved in the coming decades by greater use of wind, hydro and solar power.

Click: FOR MORE STORIES FROM THE AGENDA WITH STEPHEN COLE