Alternative fuels have the potential to gradually replace fossil energy sources and make transport sustainable by 2050. The expert group on future transport fuels has for the first time developed a comprehensive approach covering the whole transport sector.
Vice-President of European Commission, Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, said: “If we are to achieve a truly sustainable transport, then we will have to consider alternative fuels. For this we need to take into account the needs of all transport modes.”
The Commission is currently revising existing policies and the report delivered this week will feed into the “initiative on clean transport systems”, to be launched later this year. The initiative intends to develop a consistent long-term strategy for fully meeting the energy demands of the transport sector from alternative and sustainable sources by 2050.
According to the report, alternative fuels are the ultimate solution to decarbonise transport, by gradually substituting fossil energy sources. Technical and economic viability, efficient use of primary energy sources and market acceptance, however, will be decisive for a competitive acquisition of market share by the different fuels and vehicle technologies.
Source: European Commission website.