Why is Decarbonisation Necessary?

Let’s face it, transportation plays a vital role in our lives, allowing us to keep moving. In our day-to-day life, it makes our life easier to go wherever we want. But did you know every year; an ordinary vehicle releases 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the air? Can you imagine how much carbon dioxide is emitted by vehicles worldwide?

With the continued climate change and harmful effects of CO2 in the atmosphere, car manufactures as well as automotive companies started several environmental sustainability strategies. One of such strategy is Decarbonisation. In this article, we will talk about what Decarbonisation is and why is it necessary? So, let’s get started.

What is Decarbonisation?

Decarbonisation is basically the elimination or reduction of carbon dioxide from energy sources. The World Economic Forum defines it as the only solution to climate stabilization. Zero net emissions needs moving to clean energy sources and then shifting from fossil fuels to electricity. According to some experts, rather than considering the conventional way of using non-renewable energy sources, there should be a cut in carbon emissions sources wrecking the environment.

Currently, there are wide assortments of sectors dependent on fossil fuels such as transport, residential, and industrial. It means the energy comes directly from the combustion of gas, oil, or coal. The carbon dioxide emitted from using such fuels performs like a greenhouse gas that traps heat and contributes to global warming.

How Does Decarbonisation Actually Work?

Decarbonisation is basically when there is a corresponding reduction of fossil fuel use and increases low carbon power generation prominence. It involves a specific use of renewable energy sources such as biomass, solar power, and wind power. To reduce carbon power, one of the most effective means is electric vehicles. When you decrease carbon intensity in the power and transport sectors, it will enable net-zero emission targets to be in line with government standards or met sooner.

Why is Decarbonisation Necessary?

The main goal of Decarbonisation is to replace fossil fuel-dependent systems with electricity-produced low-carbon renewable resources. In simple words, it means electrifying everything with no carbon footprints to increase energy efficiency. Green transportation is an essential part of a bigger solution.

Decarbonisation has three pillars that intertwine and support each other. These are:

● Energy efficiency

● Electrification

● Electricity Decarbonisation.

According to the Paris Agreement, the UK government is obliged to deliver zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. After the declaration of a climate emergency in Parliament, the Committee on Climate Change suggested that attaining net-zero was cost-effective, essential, and attainable. Decarbonisation has become mandatory as the transport sector becomes electrified that ultimately increases the demand for electric power. That means energy efficiency has become one of the major priorities to improve global temperature, air quality and meet emissions goals.

Various countries have put utmost efforts with over 150 governments to submit plans in order to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. Paris pledges to ban diesel vehicles by 2040 while TFL schemes come up with electric hybrid London buses and black cabs. Plus, renewable energy sources are also being implemented widely.

For Decarbonisation, it is essential to use less carbon-intense and more energy-efficient sources. The global transportation system is operated using carbon-based fuels like petrol and diesel. Traktual aims to be part of the solution for Decarbonisation. Traktual vehicles are non-polluting at the point of use and can replace diesel-powered vehicles or be used by adapted hybrid vehicles over parts of their route to reduce diesel pollution. They use an overhead electrical supply system and can be used in both rural areas and cities.

The independent Committee on Climate Change of the UK has illustrated that the power sector could reach 3 million tons of C02 emission in 2050. It was 98.3 million tonnes in 2018. With these changes, it is not wrong to predict that the UK could become a carbon-neutral country through the Decarbonisation process in the coming years as long as we continue on this path.

If you are looking for more information on Decarbonisation and how Traktual could be part of it get in touch.