As a committed member of the new Zemo Council for Net Zero Transport, and as CEO of Fuels Industry UK that represents the UK's largest fuels suppliers, I am privileged to contribute to the mission of achieving net zero transport.
As we enter into this new partnership to steer transport decarbonisation, I suspect that none of us on the Council are under any illusions about the scale of the challenge ahead. Transport emissions are higher than any other part of the economy, and despite rapid EV uptake and growing alternative fuel use, emissions have been stubborn to tackle.
Challenges
1. Hoping that one size fits all:
As mobility has grown, liquid fuels from fossil became the primary source of transport energy due to their flexibility, energy density, and ability to be stored for long periods. In future though, no single source of energy, whether low-carbon liquids, electricity, or hydrogen is likely to be the optimal option for all transport decarbonisation. Whether energy density, efficiency, duty cycles, or infrastructure availability, all energy sources have their pros and cons. We need to be open to thinking about transport emissions in their entirety to understand which sustainable energies and uses of transport offer the most effective pathways to transport decarbonisation.
2. Technological Hurdles:
The development of sustainable fuel technologies is ongoing but faces obstacles. Advanced biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen, while promising, have challenges in production efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. The energy density of some alternative fuels may fall short of conventional fuels, affecting vehicle range and performance, which could impact consumer acceptance. Ensuring that infrastructure limitations are addressed may also be a challenge technically, with access to grid an issue for EVs, hydrogen filling station numbers falling in the UK.
3. Economic Considerations:
The transition to net zero transport involves substantial economic implications. High initial costs for new technology deployment, potential impacts on fuel prices, and economic feasibility for consumers and businesses pose significant barriers. Ensuring that the transition is economically viable for all stakeholders, including fuel producers, distributors, and end-users, is critical.
4. Policy and Regulation:
Consistent and clear policies are essential for informed investment decisions. Following the general election, there may be greater stability, but policy uncertainty and regulatory discrepancies can hinder progress. Harmonizing regulations and providing long-term policy clarity is crucial to drive investments in new technologies and infrastructure.
Opportunities
1. Innovation in Fuel Technologies:
The drive towards net zero transport is a catalyst for innovation. Research and development in alternative fuels such as advanced biofuels, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels are opening new avenues for sustainable transport solutions. These innovations promise to reduce emissions and enhance energy security by diversifying the energy mix. The existing infrastructure for transport fuels can also be adapted to deliver these new technologies.
2. Collaboration and Partnerships:
Achieving net zero transport requires collaboration across sectors and industries. Partnerships between fuel and power producers, automotive manufacturers, and technology providers can accelerate the development and deployment of new technologies. Collaborative efforts can facilitate knowledge sharing and reduce the time and cost associated with the transition.
3. Economic Growth and Job Creation:
The transition to net zero transport can spur economic growth and create new job opportunities. Investments in new infrastructure, technology development, and the expansion of alternative fuel production can stimulate economic activity. Additionally, the emerging green economy can provide employment opportunities in various sectors, from research and development to manufacturing and maintenance.
4. Being the first to decarbonise transport effectively:
The UK has the will, technical expertise, and financial tools available to it to prove that transport decarbonisation at pace is possible. Policy and regulations are a challenge, but if we can get the incentives right then the UK is well placed in the global marketplace to deliver its transition rapidly, while having the chance to export the technical and policy knowhow of how to get there.
What These Challenges and Opportunities Mean for Our Next Steps
To effectively deliver on the roadmap for net zero transport, we must take an open approach, requiring contributions from all parties. As a Council and as a country, we must think holistically about the implications of our chosen pathways:
- We must consider the full lifecycle of energy sources and vehicles, avoiding missteps or decisions that create unforeseen issues elsewhere.
- We must address the jobs we'll need to create as well as those at risk due to the transition, ensuring investment in skills that addresses shortages already affecting delivery as well as those we need in future.
- We must maintain transparency and accountability for decisions, taking all transport users with us on the journey to lower emissions.
The journey towards net zero transport will be difficult, but few things worth doing are ever easy. I look forward to working with my fellow Council members on the delivery roadmap for net zero transport. Through collaborative work, a holistic outlook, and informed strategy, we can achieve our ultimate goal of a cleaner, greener future for transport.
The Zemo Partnership Summit "Our Journey to a Delivery Roadmap for Net Zero Transport" on 3rd October 2024 in London will explore how the Partnership and its members will work with the new Council for Net Zero Transport to develop a delivery roadmap for net zero transport to inform and guide the policies of the new Westminster Government. Find out more and book your place here: https://www.zemosummit.co.uk/
