The EU and G8 (Group of Eight) leaders agreed in 2009 to achieve an 80% cut in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2050 if atmospheric CO2 is to stabilise at 450 parts per million, and if global warming stays under the safe level of 2°C. But securing the overall 80% decarbonisation goal within the next 4 decades may need 95% decarbonisation of the road transport sector. A portfolio of advanced power-trains like fuel-cell-electric (FCEV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and battery-electric (BEV) vehicles would help secure this goal, says a new study conducted by the European Commission, in collaboration with industry, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and governmental and clean energy officials. Entitled 'A portfolio of power-trains for Europe: a fact-based analysis. The role of battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell electric vehicles', the report is part of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative (FCH JTI), which targets the accelerated development and commercialisation of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies in Europe. According to the experts, this portfolio draws attention to the complementary nature of these technologies. Each technology offers a solution for different environments and driving behaviours.
The study found that electric drive cars will play a critical role in helping us obtain a greener future; not only can they effectively shrink CO2 but they can help lower local emissions. FCEVs, according to the experts, seem to be the lowest-carbon solution for driving long distances and bigger-sized cars. The study noted that car makers are keen to adapt their production lines to FCEVs, particularly after seeing the positive results garnered by more than 500 fuel cell cars that have covered over 15 million kilometres and 90,000 refuellings. A full portfolio of power-trains will ensure that consumers' needs are met. In line with that, environment and refuelling infrastructures are required if Europeans are to achieve long-term sustainability of personal mobility.
'In relation to the transport and refuelling infrastructure application area, according for a large part of our operational budget, I particularly welcome the excellent benchmarking exercise undertaken to analyse different power-train systems in Europe and use to provide a solid basis for developing a business case for the commercialisation of promising technologies such as fuel cells and hydrogen,' said FCH JTI Executive Director Bert De Colvenaer. 'Together with feedback from various projects supported by our scheme, this will definitely help us shape more adequately our support notably in that application area. We would support similar initiatives in the stationary domain as well as in early markets (back-up power, forklifts).'
Both the European and global markets can expect to sustain an increase in the number of passenger cars between now and 2050, with figures jumping to 273 million in Europe and to 2.5 billion worldwide. Improvements to the conventional internal combustion engine or alternative fuels are not enough. Also weighing on the minds of many is the fact that people are unsure of whether sustainably generated biofuels will be available for passenger cars. Other sectors, including aviation, marine and heavy industry, are eyeing such biofuels for their own use. Europeans must develop a range of technologies if their long-term sustainability of mobility is to be secured, the experts said.
Also participating in the FCH JTI are multinational, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), represented by the European Industry Grouping for the FCH JTI, as well as universities and research institutes. Meanwhile, the European Industry Grouping for a FCH JTI, called New Energy World Industry Grouping 'Fuel Cell and Hydrogen for Sustainability' (NEW-IG), is the key interlocutor for the European Commission as regards the JTI.
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