The transport sector remains a significant contributor to global greenhouse gases, with CO2 emissions forecast to surge 60 per cent by 2050. Innovative solutions are needed to meet net-zero emissions commitments and shrink the sector’s carbon footprint.
Australia’s transport sector is the third largest source of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, comprising 21 per cent of national emissions in 2023. And it is projected to become the sector with the highest emissions by the end of the decade.
The impact of transport generates an average of 22 per cent of emissions across most of Southeast Asia in 2021. Globally, the sector accounts for 23 per cent of total emissions.
But the industry is transforming.
Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is paving the way for cleaner and more efficient modes of transit and contributing to more sustainable and liveable cities.
Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation solutions, is playing a significant role in the transport industry’s electrification across the globe, said Farokh Ghadially, Schneider’s Vice President of Secure Power in the Pacific Zone.
“Digitalisation and electrification will enable a smarter and greener future,” he said.
One of the key trends Ghadially identifies is the electrification of public transport. Innovative solutions to support the industry’s decarbonisation have focused on driving growth in electric vehicles (EVs) and electrifying bus fleets and rail networks.
“Ninety-seven major global cities have signed the fossil-fuel-free streets declaration promising to buy only zero-emission buses from 2025 and to make major areas free of fossil-fuel emissions by 2030,” he said.
The private sector is not far behind. The growth in electric vehicles (EV) across the world reflects demand for an alternative to fossil fuel-powered transport.
“The global electric commercial vehicle market size is projected to reach over 2,000,000 units by 2028 from an estimated 129,000 units in 2020, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 41.1 per cent,” Ghadially said.
A month after the European Union proposed to eliminate all carbon-emitting cars and vans by 2035, the United States released a plan to ensure EVs make up half of all vehicle sales by 2030. In Australia, these are clear indicators that electrification is the future of global mobility.
Innovation a key tool to decarbonise transport
Schneider Electric is well positioned to support this energy transition.
The company offers advanced EV-charging infrastructure from domestic and AC (alternating current) destination chargers and high-power, rapid DC (direct current) chargers.
In September, Schneider unveiled an AC commercial EV charger designed for commercial fleets, workplaces, multi-family residences and destination venues. The integrated charger solutions include remote station monitoring and 24/7 technical support for businesses and EV drivers.
Intelligent traffic management systems and efficient public transport networks help optimise traffic flow, reduce congestion, and minimise fuel consumption and emissions. Schneider’s systems include tools that control road signals and devices in real time and decision support for incident response.
Data analytics and optimisation technologies allow transport companies and authorities to make informed decisions to improve route planning, vehicle efficiency and overall operational sustainability.
Fleet electrification creates opportunities
Ghadially sees further opportunities in public transport fleet electrification and the increased demand for zero-emission vehicles in the e-commerce and logistics sectors. These trends will create opportunities for equipment manufacturers to expand their revenue streams and geographical presence.
“Innovation is a key driver in advancing sustainable practices and technologies within the transport sector, leading to tangible reductions in emissions and a more environmentally friendly transportation ecosystem,” Ghadially said.
Urbanisation impact on future transport needs
Transport is crucial for urban planning to meet future demands, with passenger numbers on public transport expected to increase. Over the next decade, innovation and commuter trends will focus on efficiency and future transport technology will be electrified, carbon-neutral, autonomous, and smart.
To achieve a net zero future, governments are using renewable energy to reduce local air pollution, advance local economic development, lower operational costs and improve energy access.
Digitisation to integrate renewable energy sources
Ghadially touched on the potential of digitisation in the power sector to improve the performance of electrical systems and better integrate renewable energy sources.
Integrating renewables is a core element of Schneider’s strategy. Incorporating solar and wind energy into transport infrastructure can provide clean power for EVs and transport facilities, shrinking the sector’s carbon footprint.
“I am a strong advocate of ‘digitising and connecting power’ to enhance safety, availability, and efficiency for business and society,” he said.
For the world to meet the net zero targets, the transition to more sustainable forms of transport is essential and creating opportunities for engineering companies to drive a sustainable future for the transport industry.
Explore how Schneider Electric is leading the way in sustainable practices and technologies to address today’s challenges and support decarbonisation HERE.
