BIPM150 Poster Session: Energy Transition to Low-Carbon Fuels
As countries work to decarbonize their economies, measurement science is playing a growing role in verifying the origin, quality and environmental impact of new energy sources.
At the BIPM’s 150th Anniversary scientific poster session, Dr Kai Fuu Ming of the National Metrology Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (NMC, A*STAR), presented a joint-poster entitled “Isotopic Measurements for Energy Transition to Low-Carbon Fuels.”
Co-authored with Yuxi Cui and Lemuel Joel Kuehsamy of NMC, Singapore, the poster highlights how metrology can help distinguish between traditional fossil fuels and newer, greener alternatives—particularly in high-emission sectors like aviation and shipping.
Isotope Measurement of Fuels – The Basics
While documentation from fuel producers may describe the production pathway of supposedly “low-carbon fuels”, isotope measurement offers physical evidence to verify these claims.
For example, as different production methods leave behind distinct isotopic “fingerprints” in the fuel—traceable patterns can therefore be examined to determine whether, for example, hydrogen was produced via electrolysis (a cleaner process) or from fossil-derived sources.
This ability to differentiate fuels based on origin is essential not only for scientific accuracy but also for environmental accountability. By providing robust data on the true carbon content of a fuel, metrology can help prevent greenwashing and help validate public and regulatory trust in claims about sustainability.
The Poster
The poster was co-authored by Yuxi Cui and Lemuel Joel Kuehsamy of NMC, Singapore, in collaboration with Dr Ming. Listen to a 2-minute audio recording of Dr Ming explaining their poster, here.
Watch Dr Kai’s Presentation
As countries set targets for emissions reduction, the ability to measure—accurately, transparently and globally comparably—will be a cornerstone of trust in the low-carbon fuels of the future.
BIPM150: Nine Standout Scientific Posters
Chosen from nearly 400 submissions received from around the world, these standout posters address some of the most pressing challenges in modern metrology—from quantum technologies and digital transformation to health, education and sustainability.
Each of these 9 posters was selected by the BIPM Poster Committee from one of nine key topic areas, reflecting the breadth and innovation driving the global metrology community. Learn more.