The energy transition has become a global priority to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The transport sector plays a key role in this transition. This article explores the issues, regulations, alternative energy solutions and financial support available.
Transport: a major challenge in the energy transition
Transport accounts for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. In Europe, for example, road transport is responsible for almost 30% of total CO2 emissions. Decarbonising this sector therefore seems essential if we are to achieve the climate targets set by international agreements and national legislation.
The main challenges of this decarbonisation are to reduce CO2 emissions in order to limit global warming, to improve air quality in urban areas by reducing pollutants from vehicles, and to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This may involve adopting alternative energies.
Alternative energies and the energy transition in transport: what does the law say?
The Green Deal for Europe
Adopted in 2019, the Green Deal for Europe aims to make Europe the first carbon-neutral zone by 2050. In the transport sector, it sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 90% reduction in emissions by 2050. This framework encourages the development of infrastructure for electric vehicles, support for alternative fuels and the promotion of sustainable public transport.
Paris Agreement
As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, the EU is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This objective is being applied to transport through initiatives such as CO2 emission standards for light and heavy vehicles, encouraging a gradual transition to cleaner models throughout the transport sector.
The new European emissions standards
European regulations impose progressive reductions in CO2 emissions for new vehicles: 15% by 2025 and 55% by 2030 compared with 2021 levels. For heavy goods vehicles, the targets are 45% by 2030, 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2040.
Strategy for sustainable and intelligent mobility
The European Commission has introduced the Strategy for Intelligent and Sustainable Mobility 2020, following on from the Green Pact. This action plan aims to modernise the entire transport sector, including measures to encourage digitisation, network interconnection and the switch to clean fuels. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of transport while ensuring competitiveness and accessibility for Europe's citizens.
Alternative energies, the different solutions
"Electric vehicles are at the very heart of the energy transition in transport. They produce no CO2 emissions during use, which considerably reduces their environmental impact.
Biofuels, produced from organic matter, offer an alternative to fossil fuels while reducing CO2 emissions.
Compressed natural gas is used as an alternative fuel. It's a proven technology for long journeys with less environmental impact.
Hydrogen is a promising future solution for heavy vehicles and long-distance transport. Hydrogen-powered vehicles produce only water vapour as an emission.
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Support for the energy transition in the transport sector
To support this transition, a number of subsidies and financial incentives are available. In France, for example, the government offers conversion bonuses for the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles. Funds are also available for the development of recharging infrastructure, facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles. Finally, the European Union offers funding for research and development projects in the field of renewable energies and clean transport.
The energy transition in the transport sector is essential if we are to achieve our climate objectives. Regulations, targets for carbon neutrality by 2050, alternative energy solutions and financial support are all levers for accelerating this transformation.
To help you make the transition, contact our experts at Petit Forestier.