For short-haul aviation, innovation in vehicle design (such as blended wing design) and vehicle electrification are making decarbonisation increasingly possible. But in order to keep trade flowing and international supply chains uninterrupted, long-haul transport growth is vital for future economic growth.
Alternative energy sources such as hydrogen, synfuels and sustainable biofuels appear to be solutions for many long-distance trips and require significant infrastructure and technology advancement to bring to market. Hydrogen, for instance, is a promising technology for both the rail sector and shipping. Hydrogen heavy-duty trucks are soon to hit the roads whilst hydrogen trains are already running in Europe. The aviation industry poses significant challenges. For long-haul aviation, technology developments are needed to decarbonise using sustainable fuels, which should increase rapidly over the next few years.
Regulators certainly have a big role to play in driving greener long-haul transport innovation. A greater focus on lifecycle emissions and circularity in vehicle production and usage – material efficiencies, battery reuse and recycling, vehicle-to-grid – will allow transport to dematerialise, reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, cut emissions, and support a growing urban population. Furthermore, there is an overarching enabler that is deeply embedded in this revolution – digitalisation. It will allow for seamlessly integrated transport eco-systems, enable remote working, and generate multiple investment opportunities in zero-emission technologies and mobility-as-a-service.
Mobility is a vital cog in our future economic development. However, future mobility needs to be equitable, resilient, cost-effective, and clean. Ultimately, the complex task of transition requires alignment between international agendas, national policies, local implementation and private sector solutions.
At every level, it is best to invest now – to avoid future losses, maximise the opportunities to reap the benefits of green growth and transition to a CLIC® economy.
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