Transport ministers must move away from a “technologically neutral” stance and instead choose “winners” if the UK is to cut carbon emissions and meet its climate goals, MPs have warned.
Investors are discouraged from investing in new environmentally friendly transport solutions for fear of backing “a technology that may not be the ultimate ‘winner'”, according to the Parliament’s Transport Committee.
The government should change its policy towards “targeted investment in technology” and enable it to invest in solutions “that offer proven solutions to reduce emissions and give the private sector more confidence to invest.”
The UK has committed to achieving zero emissions by 2050. Transport, including shipping, aviation, agricultural and construction machinery and railways, is currently the most emitting sector in the UK economy, accounting for 27 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
MEPs on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Transport warn that the commitment to electric vehicles should not compromise the potential of alternative synthetic fuels and biofuels as a low-carbon option for cars and other modes of transport.
Access to alternative fuels may be a fairer option for motorists than having to buy expensive electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Increasing investment in renewable fuels could reduce the risk of underproduction of electric vehicle (EV) batteries or insufficient grid capacity, as well as discouraging conventional vehicles from remaining on the roads following a ban on the sale of new vehicles with conventional engines.
Biofuels and synthetic fuels had so-called “embedded” capabilities, meaning they could be used in existing vehicles. “They can be improved over time to improve efficiency and reduce emissions of particulate matter and other substances,” they say.
They reiterated the recommendation from the previous report that the government should try to ensure that no area is left behind. Members of the European Parliament believe that people should not give up diesel, petrol or hybrid cars, as over time they will account for a small part of the population’s transport emissions.
The cost of deploying EV charging infrastructure is completely unrealistic and would require massive amounts of taxpayer money through government subsidies to make EVs “nearly acceptable” to gasoline or hybrid vehicles, the report said.
Shipping and aviation are unlikely to hit emissions targets by 2050, they warn.
Experts told the committee that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is likely to be the preferred fuel for the aviation industry to replace highly polluting kerosene. “The SAF can be deployed with little or no change to engine technology or airport infrastructure, making it inexpensive and easy to use around the world,” the report says.
Alternatives like electric batteries are unlikely to get small or light enough to be suitable for anything other than short-haul flights, while hydrogen takes up a lot of storage space and is highly flammable.
Ministers are being urged to speed up the electrification of British railways, warning that only 38% of the rail network is fully electrified, but the government has committed to phasing out all diesel trains, including freight, by 2040.
Evidence that it may not be cost-effective to electrify every rail line in the country’s outlying areas prompted MPs to call on the Department of Transportation to issue a new rail strategy “supported by reasonable costs and a robust delivery plan with targets and milestones.”
Trucks and trucks are also a problem, they warn. The UK is the first country in the world to commit to phasing out new non-zero emission heavy duty vehicles (trucks) weighing 26 tonnes or less by 2035, with all new models sold in the UK by 2040 required to be no emissions. . for free.
A truck decarbonization plan is needed “as a matter of priority” as these vehicles are heavier and regular battery charging is impractical on long journeys.
Commission President Ian Stewart said: “We hear again and again from experts that the government’s decision-neutral approach is understandable. But it is time for ministers to take the lead and choose the winners using the knowledge of alternative fuels that we now have in all modes of transport.
“With aviation — widely recognized as one of the most polluting modes of transport for consumers — the government should invest in sustainable jet fuel to spur innovation and progress in the sector.
“We are also urging the government to continue with projects to electrify rail routes across the UK, or to find alternative low carbon solutions when full electrification is not economical.”
The Department of Transportation said: “Our plan to decarbonize transport includes an ambitious and credible plan to achieve zero emissions and reduce emissions across all modes of transport so you can travel better every day.
“More than £2bn already invested in the transition to zero emissions vehicles, our sustainable aviation fuel program is one of the most comprehensive in the world, we have electrified 1,300km of track in the last five years alone and announced £206m. in shipping emissions.
Source: I News
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