Fossil fuel-based economy

Catalysis is a core technology of the current fossil fuel based economy. Over 90% of industrial chemical processes involve catalytic steps and, also, several processes in current refineries are catalytic ones. Without continuous progress and innovation in catalysis, the current pervasive oil-based economy is not possible. Similarly, catalysis technology will also have a key role in the transition to a biobased economy. The possibility of realizing this transition and to develop effective bio-refineries will depend on the progress made in developing new catalytic processes and concepts. 

With the ever increasing political and economical indeterminate surrounding a fossil fuel based economy, the search for alternative energy sources has gained momentum in recent years. In addition to renewable sources (such as, wind, solar, micro-hydro), fuel cell technology has received a heightened research focus [5],... 

---