The new market-focused role of the IC engine in climate protection

Taking place on the 25th and 26th of February 2025, the 12th International Engine Congress will take place in Baden-Baden, Germany and Alain Mathuren, FuelsEurope Director, is one of the invited speakers in the panel on "The new market-focused role of the IC engine in climate protection!".

Not only battery-electric but also thermodynamic powertrains are imperative for the implementation of the mobility turnaround and the global reduction of CO2 emissions. Largely hybridised and powered by hydrogen and synthetic fuels from renewable sources, they make an important contribution both to the huge global fleet of over 1.3 billion vehicles and to new vehicles. The powertrains of new vehicle generations will also have to rely on this proven technology for decades to come in order to be able to meet the steadily increasing global mobility needs in a climate-friendly way. The International Engine Congress as a knowledge forum and industry meeting place for engine development addresses the entire system of engine technology: from energy generation to energy storage to energy conversion. With its unique concept, it brings together the current technological state of knowledge of the entire system of non-fossil fuels and internal combustion engines and their holistic evaluation with regard to climate protection. It is thus the central, practice-oriented platform for the exchange of knowledge and suitable systemic strategies for meeting the Paris and Glasgow climate targets.

Geopolitical changes have greatly unsettled the sales markets. In Europe, this insecurity is being further exacerbated by a unilateral political and industrial position opposing the longer-term use of internal combustion engines. Pressure on governments is increasing. There is a growing demand for technological diversity and for more competition in energy sources and converters, both globally and in Europe. Will the hope of a quick adaptation of the legal framework to the real conditions of the market, with its cross-sector requirements, become a reality?

In Asian countries in particular, politics, industry, and science are focusing on innovations for energy production and its use in mobility that are open to different technologies. Only in this way can the defossilization of existing vehicle fleets, which is necessary if we want to achieve carbon-neutral mobility, take place quickly and in an economically acceptable manner. A key role is played by ensuring that energy, raw material, supply, and production chains are circular.

In this changing context, the congress will examine the future role of the internal combustion engine and its non-fossil fuels from a global perspective with leading experts.

Learn more here: www.atzlive.de/en/events/international-engine-congress/