The Australian Federal Government has opened up public consultation on the roadmap to a net zero transport sector.
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news from Australasia’s lifting industry.
- Don’t miss a lift and subscribe to our monthly magazine.
- Download our latest digital magazine to catch up on the biggest news and developments in the crane industry.
Releasing the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap on May 22, the Government is now seeking feedback on the most effective options for governments, business, and the community to reduce emissions in the transport sector by 2050.
“We have set out important questions in the Consultation Roadmap and will work with stakeholders on identifying and implementing actions to reduce transport emissions in a way that works for Australia,” said Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
“With this new Consultation Roadmap acting as a guide, we are committed to creating a cleaner future that is economically responsible and socially inclusive, creates jobs, and ensures we have a future made in Australia.”
According to the roadmap, heavy vehicles account for 23 per cent of all transport emissions, with the entire sector contributing just under 100 million tonnes per year of carbon dioxide or equivalent emissions.
Furthermore, the roadmap outlines the difficult pathway forward for heavy vehicles. Citing the lack of available technologies to support the status quo, the report identifies hydrogen or low carbon liquid fuels as the way of the future until battery technology and charging infrastructure reaches the required level of performance. Additionally, the Government highlighted its work in implementing the mass adoption of Euro VI standards, while also underscoring the difficulties faced with the weight of batteries and Australian steer axle mass limit.
Following on from the Government’s $18 million budget commitment to low-carbon liquid fuels (LCLF) , the roadmap also supports the fast-tracking of support, with an initial focus on “sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel to support emissions reduction in… heavy vehicle sectors”.
“Domestic production of LCLFs could provide opportunities for regional development and new jobs as well as liquid fuel security benefits,” said the roadmap. “The government will be undertaking targeted consultation to identify options for production incentives to support the establishment of a made in Australia LCLF industry, including through the release of a LCLF consultation paper.”
Furthermore, the roadmap highlights 2040-2050 as the decade where battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies will see mass market adoption, using LCLF only where absolutely needed.
The Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap can be read in full here.