2015年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Pathways_to_Low_Carbon_Transport_in_the_EU_–_From_Possibility_to_Reality_72页_864kb

Summary of PATHWAYS TO LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN THE EU (June 2013)

Core Content

This report, authored by the CEPS Task Force on Transport and Climate Change, outlines strategies for achieving a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector in the EU by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive, credible and cost-effective policies to support this transition to a low-carbon transport system.

The report identifies 15 key policy measures that should be implemented immediately to accelerate progress. These include setting predictable and progressively tightening emissions standards, differentiating taxes based on CO₂ emissions, harmonizing vehicle labelling, promoting eco-driving, and supporting the development and deployment of low-carbon fuels and technologies.

The Task Force also highlights the importance of modal shift, improved transport systems, and better urban planning in reducing emissions. It argues that technology-neutral incentives should be used to encourage the adoption of low-carbon technologies, allowing the market to select the most efficient options over time.

Main Views

• Transport is a critical sector for the EU's climate goals, accounting for about one-quarter of total GHG emissions.
• A 60% reduction in transport emissions by 2050 is achievable but requires a long-term, coordinated strategy.
• Technology development is key to reducing emissions, especially in the road transport sector, where CO₂ emissions standards have historically driven improvements in fuel efficiency and air quality.
• Fuel efficiency and low-carbon fuel usage must be prioritized, with CO₂ differentiated taxes and labeling systems playing an important role in promoting cleaner vehicles and fuels.
• Eco-driving and integrated transport systems can contribute to emission reductions, though they have not been fully utilized in the past.
• Modal shift and co-modality are essential to reducing the carbon footprint of transport, but have been limited by policy inertia and lack of coordination.
• Public support may be necessary for certain low-carbon technologies that require infrastructure investment or face market risks.

Key Information

1. Emissions Trends

• Passenger transport increased by 139% between 1970 and 2009, driven mainly by private cars.
• Freight transport grew by 82% over the same period, with road freight increasing significantly and rail freight declining.
• CO₂ emissions from transport are expected to rise in the absence of policy intervention, from ~1990 levels to ~35% above by 2050, with freight emissions increasing more rapidly than passenger emissions.

2. Policy Recommendations

3.1 Emissions Standards

• Emissions standards should be tightened progressively to align with the technological frontier.
• These standards have historically driven reductions in CO, NOx, and PM emissions, and should be extended to CO₂.
• CO₂ standards will incentivize combustion efficiency and early deployment of low-carbon technologies.

3.2 CO₂ Differentiated Taxes and Charges

• Taxes should reflect CO₂ emissions of vehicles and fuels to encourage fuel-efficient and low-carbon choices.
• Harmonized labeling across the EU is necessary to ensure fair competition and transparency.

3.3 Labelling

• EU-wide vehicle labeling should be expanded to include vans and harmonized across member states.
• Labeling will help consumers and businesses make informed decisions and support market transformation.

3.4 Incentives

• Predictable, progressive and harmonized incentives are essential to drive the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
• Public procurement and fleet management incentives should be used to promote fuel-efficient vehicles and low-carbon fuels.

3.5 Research and Innovation

• The EU should support R&D and early deployment of all promising low-carbon technologies.
• Technology-neutral policies will allow the market to select the most efficient and cost-effective solutions.

3.6 Fuels Legislation

• Well-to-wheel GHG accounting is important for assessing the full environmental impact of fuels and vehicles.
• Until well-to-wheel methodologies are standardized, combining vehicle efficiency and fuel CO₂ content is the most practical approach.

4. Better Transport System

• Urban density and efficient co-modality can reduce emissions by increasing load factors and occupancy rates.
• ICT and eco-driving systems can support better driving behavior and system efficiency.
• Green logistics and improved infrastructure are necessary to support modal shift and reduce carbon intensity.
• Transport pricing should reflect the full cost, including externalities, to encourage sustainable behavior.
• Infrastructure investment should be aligned with low-carbon goals, including Trans-European Networks (TEN-T) and advanced CNS and ATM systems.

5. Action Now

• The EU and member states must take immediate and concrete actions to demonstrate political commitment to the long-term goal.
• Postponing policy development beyond 2020 or 2030 will undermine credibility and predictability for the transport sector.
• The 15 measures include:
  1. Continuing and accelerating CO₂ emissions standards.
  2. Defining a realistic test procedure for vehicles.
  3. Expanding EU-wide labeling to include vans.
  4. Differentiating transport taxes by CO₂ emissions.
  5. Using public procurement and fleet incentives to promote low-carbon options.
  6. Developing a common GHG accounting methodology for logistics.
  7. Allowing full cabotage in road transport.
  8. Supporting eco-driving systems.
  9. Aligning fuel taxation and stopping indirect subsidies.
  10. Compensating for taxation shortfalls through fuel tax adjustments.
  11. Maintaining R&D support for low-carbon technologies.
  12. Continuing differentiated co-financing for low-carbon TEN-T projects.
  13. Ensuring CNS and ATM systems are implemented without further delay.
  14. Improving walking and cycling facilities and co-modality.
  15. Enforcing speed limits across all transport modes.

Conclusion

The report concludes that while the 60% GHG reduction target is ambitious, it is achievable with the right policy mix. It calls for immediate action, harmonized policies, and technology-neutral incentives to drive a low-carbon transition in the EU transport sector. The 15 policy measures outlined provide a roadmap for achieving this goal in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.