Key Takeaways

• Transportation accounts for about 25% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
• Decarbonization methods vary by mode of transport, with electric batteries leading in cars while hydrogen fuel cells are favored for heavy-duty trucks.
• The aviation sector faces significant challenges, relying on sustainable aviation fuels, and aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.

As the world accelerates efforts to decarbonize its transport sector, it confronts unique challenges across different modes of transportation. Transportation, responsible for approximately 25% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, requires energy solutions that are both sustainable and efficient. While fossil fuels have long powered various transport methods, a single comprehensive alternative remains elusive.

Each transportation mode—cars, trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes—has distinct fuel needs. Passenger vehicles, which contribute about 45% of transport emissions, increasingly rely on electric batteries. An estimated 14 million electric cars were sold in 2023, making up approximately 18% of new car sales. Policymakers aim for all new cars to be electric by 2035. Battery technology is evolving, with promising developments in sodium-ion and solid-state batteries. However, significant investment will be necessary to establish the required infrastructure, including gigascale battery factories.

Trucks, making up nearly 30% of transport emissions, are likely to transition to hydrogen fuel cells, which offer advantages in weight and energy efficiency for long-haul distances. Recent advancements in hydrogen technology promise to enhance the feasibility and safety of this option, with efforts in California leading the way toward increased hydrogen infrastructure.

Rail transportation is predominantly electrified, with trains already contributing minimal emissions compared to other sectors. Electrification further reduces emissions, especially if it replaces short-haul flights. Conversely, shipping, which accounts for 10% of transport emissions, predominantly uses high-sulfur bunker fuel. The International Maritime Organization’s push for net-zero emissions by 2050 is driving interest in alternatives like bio-methanol and ammonia, the latter being viewed as a viable long-term solution despite its toxicity.

Aviation presents the most significant challenge, contributing about 12% of transport emissions. Current initiatives focus on sustainable aviation fuels derived from biological sources or synthetic processes. The sector pledges carbon neutrality by 2050 but faces hurdles regarding the availability of raw materials for fuel production. Innovations in battery technology and hydrogen usage could potentially support this sector’s transition, with various companies exploring these avenues.

With all transportation modes in flux, achieving a sustainable future will require collaboration between technology advancements, policy support, and significant investments in infrastructure to effectively address the diverse needs of each transport sector.

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