Decarbonising Mobility: The Role of Hydrogen in Europe's Carbon Neutrality Goal
Key Ideas
- Decarbonising energy use in mobility is crucial for Europe's carbon neutrality goal by 2050.
- Battery electric power is vital for clean mobility, but hydrogen plays a key role in heavy-duty applications.
- Consideration of vehicle type and usage profile is essential for the emerging mobility energy mix.
- Addressing the hardest-to-decarbonise energy uses in transport is crucial for reducing emissions.
To achieve Europe’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, decarbonising energy use, especially in mobility, is essential. Mobility currently contributes to 29% of CO2 emissions in Europe. While battery electric power is crucial for clean mobility, hydrogen is becoming increasingly important for heavy and intensive mobility applications where battery electric vehicles fall short. Factors like vehicle type and usage profile are significant in determining the optimal energy mix for emerging mobility. Hydrogen is particularly effective in scenarios requiring long-range capabilities, heavy payloads, or operation in extreme conditions. By focusing on decarbonising the most challenging energy uses in transportation, a significant portion of transport-related emissions can be addressed, bringing Europe closer to its carbon neutrality targets.