Decarbonizing transportation is crucial for the UK, especially given its ambitious target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Achieving this goal involves significant investments and the development of innovative technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of road freight and other transportation sectors. Billions of pounds are set to be invested, reflecting the importance and urgency of this endeavour. However, each technology comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. By delving into the tech, we aim to highlight why they matter, the challenges they present, and how scenario platforms can play a pivotal role in their successful deployment. Through understanding the specific advantages and disadvantages of each technology, stakeholders can make informed decisions that will shape the future of sustainable transport.
Electric Road Systems (ERS)
Electric Road Systems (ERS) are already being implemented, with one notable example being the trial on Germany’s A5 motorway. This system, developed by Siemens Mobility and Costain, repurposes overhead catenary technology from railways to power specially adapted heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and charge their batteries as they travel. The A5 motorway, a busy route carrying 135,000 vehicles daily including 14,000 HGVs, has been used to test the ERS since July 2020.
However, ERS also face challenges concerning cost of investment and energy demand. For this reason, a tool for conducting a cost-benefit analysis is necessary to evaluate the financial feasibility of ERS. Additionally, a tool to understand how energy demand fluctuates over time, identify peak hours, and assess national grid requirements is crucial for effective energy management.
Advantages
- ERS offer the significant advantage of providing a continuous power supply to HGVs, effectively reducing the need for frequent stops to recharge, which in turn can significantly cut emissions from heavy road traffic.
Disadvantage
- High implementation costs and infrastructure challenges present substantial obstacles. Installing catenary lines along extensive stretches of motorway requires a significant financial investment and poses logistical challenges, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Electric Battery Technology
Electric battery technology, commonly used in electric cars, is another approach to decarbonising road transport. However, determining the optimal size and lifetime of the battery, as well as the travelling distance it can support, is crucial. Additionally, the battery charging time and the optimal locations for charging stations are significant factors that need to be addressed to enhance the efficiency and practicality of electric vehicles.
Advantages
- It produces zero tailpipe emissions, contributing directly to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- The technology is also well-established and continues to improve rapidly, particularly for passenger vehicles.
Disadvantage
- For HGVs, current battery technology is inadequate, offering limited range and power, which necessitates frequent recharging and results in significant downtime.
- The heavy and expensive batteries required for HGVs increase vehicle weight and overall costs, making it a less attractive option for long-haul transport.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells (HFC)
Hydrogen Fuel Cells (HFC) present a promising alternative for decarbonising transportation, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles where battery electric technology falls short. HFCs generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water as a byproduct. Nonetheless, it is necessary to be able to identify optimal locations for charging stations and understand how these stations can be integrated into the existing infrastructure. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the effective deployment and adoption of HFC technology.
Advantages
- This technology offers a high energy density and quick refuelling times compared to battery electric vehicles, making it suitable for long-haul freight and public transport.
Disadvantage
- The production, storage, and distribution of hydrogen pose significant challenges. Currently, most hydrogen is produced from natural gas, a process that emits carbon dioxide. Transitioning to green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, is essential for HFCs to be truly sustainable.
- The infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling is still in its infancy and requires substantial investment.
Future Technology: Hydraulic Panels
Hydraulic panels that produce energy are a futuristic technology still in the developmental stage. These panels could generate energy from road vibrations and vehicle movements, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Advantages
- This technology offers a novel approach to energy generation, potentially providing a means of producing energy from existing infrastructure. By integrating these panels into roads, it could be possible to generate electricity from the constant movement of vehicles, contributing to the overall energy supply and reducing reliance on external energy sources.
Disadvantage
- Hydraulic panels are currently in the early stages of development, and their practical viability remains unknown. The installation and maintenance of these panels could be expensive, and their efficiency in real-world conditions has yet to be proven.
- Significant research and testing are required to determine whether this technology can be effectively and economically implemented on a large scale.
Future Technology: Digital Twins
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical object, system, or process, allowing for detailed simulations and analysis. For transportation decarbonisation, digital twins can help model and optimise new technologies before they are implemented. By creating a digital replica, it is possible to simulate various scenarios and analyse potential outcomes, helping decision-makers to make informed choices regarding costs, feasibility, and impact before committing resources to real-world implementation.
Advantages
- The primary advantage of digital twins is their ability to enable comprehensive testing and scenario planning without physical risks.
Disadvantage
- The initial setup and data integration for digital twins can be complex and costly, requiring significant investment in technology and expertise.
- For digital twins to remain accurate and effective, they require continuous data input and updating, which can be resource-intensive.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of digital twins in improving decision-making processes and optimising the implementation of decarbonisation technologies are substantial. Hadean, in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, is developing a digital twin platform to aid decision-makers in their decarbonisation journey. This platform will allow for the simulation and evaluation of various technologies and strategies, ensuring resources are committed effectively and efficiently.
Invitation to Join the Workshop
Interested in shaping the future of road freight decarbonisation and the development of novel technologies? Hadean and Connected Places Catapult are inviting experts to an exclusive workshop this September. This workshop will delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with decarbonising transportation and help steer the future of the road freight sector with fresh perspectives and experiences.
Together, we can drive the transition to a more sustainable and efficient transportation system.
Sign up here.