Dieselgate - climate change mitigation - renewable energies - hydrogen - eMobility - etc.
The "diesel gate" and the imminent traffic restrictions on diesel vehicles in metropolitan area clearly show signs of a slowdown in fossil engine development and in the fossil fuel model policy of vehicle manufacturers. Many consumers' love of diesel cars has cooled off and the willingness to buy an electrically powered vehicle is increasing every day.
The EU and Austria are consistently implementing the Paris Climate Convention – an increase in the Ø temperature of max 2 °C above pre-industrial levels as threshold - by gradually moving away from fossil fuel energy. By 2050, the agreement calls for the widespread abandonment of oil, natural gas, coal and peat in favour of renewable energy sources and sets "net zero emission targets", with a simultaneous reduction in emissions of 55% by 2030.
Economic and ecological damage caused by climate change to people, flora and fauna is already painfully felt in many sectors in Austria (tourism, agriculture, forestry and energy, migration pressure).
In 2018, GHG greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 79 million tonnes of C02 equivalent, still 0.6 million tonnes more than 1090. The transport sector alone caused emissions of 23.8 million tonnes of C02, thus exceeding the sectoral ceiling under the KSG Climate Protection Act with about 2 million tonnes for the fourth year in a row.
The first, 10-year NEKP National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 in Austria calls for a transformation to a climate-neutral economy and society within the next 30 years.
For the transport sector and eMobility the NEKP recommends the following three measures, among others:
- Expansion of renewable energy and increasing its share in transport
- Promotion of e-mobility and alternative drive systems in the public and private sector
- Investment in innovative electricity and energy storage systems (H2)
The EU climate targets for 2020 - 2050 force a Europe-wide recalibration in public and private passenger transport systems and in the freight transport sector if the European wide emission targets and the energy transition shall be achieved.
In addition to battery-electric driving, hydrogen technology is experiencing a political, economic, and technological breakthrough up- and downstream with electrical energy from hydrogen fuel cells.
Zero-emission solutions for the transport industry/logistics sector and public transport on the road and at rail are being developed worldwide by leading OEM, engineering partners and system suppliers in the booming hydrogen industry.
Fuel cell vehicles have a reliable, long range even in midsummer and winter at -20°C and can be refueled within minutes.
New purchases of emission-free, electrically driven commercial vehicles, buses, special vehicles, passenger cars and hobby and recreation vehicles are becoming increasingly attractive thanks to a growing range of products and falling power-train prices.
More than 70% of freight traffic today is still carried out by diesel trucks, which emit huge amounts of C02 particulate matter and nitrogen oxides and place a massive burden on the quality of life in urban conurbations.
However, the climate and emissions targets set by EU and Austrian government will not be achieved by new acquisitions of BEV, powered by batteries and/or fuel cells alone.
Existing transport fleets for goods and passenger transport can also be converted cost-efficiently for the very first time to achieve a safe and seasonally independent zero-emission drive, "empowered" by hydrogen energy.
Upcoming diesel driving bans, e.g. for city delivery staff from the food industry, e-commerce delivery services, etc. can be avoided in a climate-friendly way.
Aftermarket retrofits of heavy and light commercial vehicles thus secure the investments made by your fleet in the long term.
2021-04-15
Michael Sikora
