Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Transport Energy Use and Emission Trends
in Spain
Pedro J. Pérez-Martínez and Andres Monzón de Cáceres
Introduction
The Spanish transport sector has grown rapidly during the last 15 years and will
continue growing in next years. The transport sector is the source of greenhouse
gases (GHG) with the highest growth rate, especially due to road transport growth
[1]
. This paper reviews sector impact on GHG emissions and considers effects of
different alternative measures on emissions and subsequent energy consumption.
Reduction of GHG emissions in the transport sector could be achieved: reducing
activity, improving energy efficiency of different transport modes and fuels and
changing modal share
[2]
. Measures that can be applied in the transport sector from
saving and improvement of energy efficiency are closely linked to sector's nature
[3]
. These measures include: right application of energy prices, financial and fiscal
incentives, reduction of commute trips, transport infrastructure planning and land
use, development of low carbon fuels and bigger use of telecommunication
technologies.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations
considers that saving and energy efficiency constitute an essential element until
technological innovations, current and emergent, could be massively implemented
[4]
. IPCC stands out main available technologies and commercial practices to miti-
gate GHG emissions: energy efficient vehicles, hybrid vehicles, clean diesel vehi-
cles, biofuels, and modal shift from road to rail, public transport and no motorized
transport modes. Similarly, IPCC reflects technologies and practices potentially
commercialized before 2030: second generation biofuels, energy efficient aircrafts,
advanced hybrid and electric vehicles with more powerful and reliable batteries.
Decrease of transport activity and improvement of energy efficiency are not unique
factors driving towards low carbon transport economy. Transport economy is low
in carbon if it uses low carbon fuels
[5]
. It is not only necessary to reduce GHG
P.J. P´ rez-Martínez and A.M. de Cáceres
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Centro de Investigación del Transporte (TRANSyT),
C/Profesor Aranguren s/n 28040, Madrid, España
