Bonn 2025 – scientific programme

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AKE: Arbeitskreis Energie

AKE 1: Innovative Contributions for the Energy System Transformation

AKE 1.3: Talk

Monday, March 10, 2025, 15:15–15:30, HS HISKP

Meeting Future Energy Needs - A regulatory view on a sustainability path — •Jörg Cosfeld — University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany

Sustainability demands the cessation of all greenhouse gas emissions to prevent catastrophic climate tipping points. Humanity cannot afford to gamble against these abrupt and irreversible scenarios, which necessitate urgent global political and economic action. This work summarizes carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector, examining the role of fossil fuels and future expectations. While addressing the challenges of anthropogenic climate change across political, economic, and scientific domains, it highlights the complexity of finding comprehensive solutions.

Rising global energy demands, particularly in electricity generation (40%) and transportation (30%), require solutions that curb emissions. This study explores regulatory frameworks, focusing on the stagnation of American fuel economy progress. From 1975, American Automotive Manufacturers (AAM) improved engine efficiency, enabling greater travel distances per fuel load. However, between 1985 and 2010, due to the lack of updates to Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, AAM shifted toward heavier vehicles, halting fuel economy improvements.

This work details regulatory gaps and compares fuel efficiency standards in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. It also provides an outlook on under-regulated sectors requiring scientific and regulatory attention.

Keywords: Energy; Regulatory; Fuel efficiency; Fuel economy; Fossil fuels