A series of seminars reveal lubes play a big part in emission reduction
China's prestigious Tsinghua University and Shell have joined forces to deliver a series of seminars highlighting the role lubricants play in reducing CO2 output. According to joint research, up to 25% of fuel usage goes into overcoming engine friction, meaning improved lube quality would have a serious impact on emissions.
In 2011, polluting vehicle emissions reached over 46m tons, up 3.5% from 2010 levels. If vehicle sales growth continues to 30m units per year in 2020, that figure would increase significantly.
Zhao Fuquan, an analyst at the Department of Automotive and Industrial Technology Research, estimates that the average Chinese motorist used some 340 litres of fuel overcoming engine resistance in 2009.
Currently, Shell are active in promoting the commerical benefits of using superior quality lubes in China. Strengthening local OEM relationships and using locally-generated research is a key part of that strategy. Meanwhile the global search continues for innovative ways of improving engine efficiency, including re-using waste heat and use of ionic compounds.