Towards low carbon transport in Europe.
Date: 2013-01-08
Institutions: Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport
Subjects: clean technology, energy efficiency, industrial research, transport economics, transport market, transport policy

Transport
Research
and Innovation
Portal

Towards

low carbon transport 
in Europe  

COMMUNICATING TRANSPORT RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

www.transport-research.info

Transport

Contents

Preface..................................................................................................................................1

1) Transport and CO2 emissions ................................................................................2

2) Policy and Research for low carbon transport ..............................................4

3) Towards efficient use of transport infrastructure and services ...........6

4) Towards more energy efficient transport ..................................................... 10

5) Use of alternative fuels and propulsion systems .................................... 15

6) Policy and Research outlook .............................................................................. 19

Bibliography .................................................................................................................... 20

Glossary ............................................................................................................................ 21

This publication was produced by the Transport Research and Innovation Portal (TRIP) consortium on behalf of the European 

Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE). 

The brochure was compiled by Jarl Schoemaker (PANTEIA, the Netherlands), Aaron Scholtz (KIT, Germany) and Riccardo Enei 

(ISIS, Italy). The project team wishes to thank Helen West for review of the manuscript.

LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the 

use which might be made of the following information. The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of 

the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Additional information on transport research programmes and related projects is available on the Transport Research and 

Innovation Portal website at www.transport-research.info.

ISBN: 978-92-79-23255-8

doi:10.2832/7573

© European Union, 2012

Cover: istockphotos

Copyright photos: iStockphotos, FREIGHTWISE, Railenergy, TOSCA, fotolia, Airbus, Eckhard Szimba.                                  
Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

Printed in Bulgaria.

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropE1

Preface

The  European  Commission  is  pleased  to  present  ‘Towards  low  carbon  transport  in  Europe’.  This 
brochure links strategic targets in EU policy with research and innovation on decarbonising transport.

As  stated  in  the  Transport  White  Paper  (2011),  the  challenge  is  to  break  the  transport  system’s 
dependency on fossil fuels without sacrificing efficiency and compromising mobility. The target of 
delivering  60%  reduction  in  greenhouse  gas  emissions  by  2050  is  unprecedentedly  ambitious.  It 
means we can no longer continue with ‘business as usual’. Transport will have to use less energy 
and cleaner energy, and make more efficient use of modern transport infrastructure and services in 
reducing its environmental impact, and specifically CO2 emissions. 

Decarbonising  the  European  transport  system  relies  on  far-sighted  policies  and  a  wide  range  of 
initiatives at all levels, based on substantial input from research and development. As shown in this 
brochure, many developments in cleaner and greener technologies have come through industry and 
research working closely together in public private partnerships supported with EC co-financing.

Because of the complexity of the transport system, a wide scope of policies and measures and research 
initiatives are needed in tackling CO2 emission reduction. These range from long-term planning of 
modern infrastructure and services at EU, national, regional and urban level to the transport choices 
we  make  as  individuals.  The  scope  of  interventions  outlined  in  this  brochure  demonstrates  how 
research and innovation (R&I) is contributing to a sustainable, low carbon transport system in Europe. 

TOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPE 
2

1

i n t r o d u c t i o n

Transport  
and CO2 emissions

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges our society faces today 

and for the foreseeable future. The European Union acknowledges the impact of  
rising  global  temperature  and  is  committed  to  reducing  carbon  dioxide  (CO2)  
emissions  which  are  the  largest  part  of  greenhouse  gas  emissions  that  cause  

climate change.

The  transport  sector  is  a  major  contributor  to  CO2 
emissions because of its dependency on fossil fuels 
in  all  modes.  Statistics  indicate  that  the  transport 
sector contributes 23% of all CO2 emissions in the 
27  EU  Member  States.  Despite  significant  efforts 
to reduce emissions, transport has not achieved its 
decarbonising targets. If this trend continues, transport 
is expected to contribute 50% of all CO2 emissions in 
the EU by 2050, if not within the next two decades. 
An overview of historic development of CO2 emissions 
and estimates for various sectors is shown in Figure 
1. It clearly indicates the expected continuing growth 
of emissions from transport.

Approach to CO2 emission reduction 

This brochure discusses EC policy priorities on CO2 
emission  reduction  in  the  transport  sector  and 
the  contribution  of  current  and  future  research  in 
shaping  policy.  It  covers  the  transport  modes  of 
road, rail, air and maritime, as well as cross-border, 
medium distance, and urban transport.

Three  policy  priorities  and  related  research  are 
considered, as can be seen on the following page.

Figure 1. Change of CO2 emissions since 1990

Mton

500

400

300

200

100

0

-100

-200

-300

Transport

Industry

Residential, services  
and agriculture

Power generation

Energy branch 
and district heating

2000-1990

2010-1990

2020-1990

2030-1990

EC, Directorate-General for Energy and Transport, 2008 

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropE3

EU 20-20-20 TaRgETs

The  EU  is  proactive  in  the  international  arena 
in contributing to agreements on CO2 emission 
reduction, and has a commitment to 20-20-20 
targets for 2020 in climate and energy policy:

• 

• 

• 

 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on 
1990  levels  and  30%  reduction  if  other  devel-
oped  countries  make  comparable  reduction  com-
mitments.

 20% increase in renewable energy – wind, solar 
and  biomass  –  of  total  energy  production  (cur-
rently 8.5%)

  20% reduction in energy consumption of projected 
2020 levels by improving energy efficiency.

EC , Directorate-General for Climate Action (2010a)

Transport  efficiency  involves  making  transport 
infrastructure  and  services 
throughout  Europe 
more  efficient  and  thus  led  to  reduction  in  CO2 
emissions. Such actions include better infrastructure 
planning  and  facilitating  a  shift  from  road,  which 
depends  heavily  on  fossil-fuelled  vehicles,  to  more 
environmentally  friendly  rail  and  inland  waterway 
transport.  Efficiency  in  all  transport  modes  can  be 
increased with the wide-scale adoption of advanced 
information  technologies  (IT),  such  as  Intelligent 
Transport Systems (ITS).

Energy efficiency requires technological advances 
to raise vehicle energy efficiency in terms of the ra-
tio of distance travelled per unit of fuel consumed. 

European  policy  and  research  are  directed  to  sup-
porting  fuel  efficiency  regulations,  to  developing 
new technologies and engines, and to promoting the 
market  for  clean  and  energy-efficient  road  trans-
port  vehicles  through,  for  instance,  Green  Public  
Procurement.

Alternative  fuels  and  propulsion  systems  are 
based on extensive research to enable a shift from 
fossil  fuel  dependence  to  decarbonised  transport. 
While  research  has  led  to  a  range  of  promising 
fuels  and  technologies  to  meet  emission  reduc-
tion targets, market uptake will require further R&I 
investment and other policy interventions to bring 
emission reduction closer to 2050 targets.

TOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPE4

2

P o l i c y  co n t e x t

Policy and Research  
for low carbon transport

Under  the  Kyoto  Protocol,  the  EU  signed  up  to  stringent  targets  to  reduce 
greenhouse gases — 8% reduction in CO2 emissions between 2008 and 2012. To 
achieve these targets, some 30 measures were identified by the European Climate 
Change Programme (ECCP). These measures include directives on promoting the 
development and use of biofuels in the transport sector, on promoting electricity 
generation  from  renewable  energy  sources,  and  a  framework  for  eco-design 
requirements for energy-consuming products.

A  mechanism  in  the  European  Climate  Change  Pro-
gramme  is  the  European  Emission  Trading  Scheme 
(ETS)  that  requires  companies  in  energy-intensive 
sectors to monitor their CO2 emissions. Companies in 
energy-intensive sectors include power and manufac-
turing  plants.  In  2012  airlines  will  be  added  to  the 
list. These companies are required to hold certificates 
that are equivalent to their respective CO2 emissions. 
Companies  that  need  more  certificates  than  allo-
cated have to trade with companies requiring fewer 

certificates. The maximum number of certificates will 
be reduced over time in order to reduce overall CO2 
emissions. 

Even  with  progress  made  in  emission  reduction  in 
the  last  decade,  the  EU  has  called  for  more  drastic 
reduction  in  greenhouse  gas  emissions.  To  create  a 
decarbonised energy system by 2050, the European 
growth strategy EUROPE 2020 incorporates a flagship 
initiative, the 2050 Energy Roadmap (EC, 2011a). This 

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropEPolicy and Research  

for low carbon transport

5

activities,  such  as  CORDIS  European  Community 
Research and Development Information Service, COST 
framework for European Cooperation in Science and 
Technology, and ERA-NET framework for research at 
national and regional level.

Transport research is an essential part of EU Frame-
work  Programmes,  which  are  the  main  EU  research 
and development funds. Research covers all transport 
modes,  passenger  and  freight  transport,  as  well  as 
short,  medium  and  long-distance  transport  services. 
A  specific  focus  is  on  greening  of  urban  transport 
because  most  people  in  the  EU  live  in  urban  areas. 
Transport research projects and programmes are de-
fined  to  contribute  to  a  safer,  greener  and  smarter 
transport sector.

Projects  under  the  current  Framework  Programme 
(FP7)  focus  on  technological  development  and 
demonstration  projects.  The  new  Framework 
Programme  for  research  and  innovation  HORIZON 
2020  (EC,  2011b)  will  shift  the  focus  from  product 
development  to  market  entry.  HORIZON  2020  will 
promote smart, green and integrated alternatives, with 
projects on improving vehicle efficiency, developing new  
generations  of  low  or  zero  emission  vehicles,  and 
promoting alternative fuels and propulsion systems.

Given  the  size  and  complexity  of  CO2  reduction 
options,  no  single  solution  is  sufficient.  Instead, 
a  combination  of  policy  initiatives  and  research 
innovations  is  needed  to  achieve  the  challenging 
targets for emission reduction. This is particularly the 
case  in  the  dynamic  transport  sector  where  policy 
priorities to improve efficiency are drivers for reducing 
CO2 emissions.

Figure 2. GHG emissions in the EU27  
by transport mode

Road

Domestic navigation

International maritime

Domestic aviation

International aviation

Rail

Other 

EC, Directorate–General for Climate Action (2010b)

gives  highest  priority  to  achieving  energy  efficiency, 
stimulating  use  of  renewable  energy  sources,  and 
developing  new  infrastructure  capacities.  These  im-
provements will have a direct impact on reducing CO2 
emissions in the transport sector.

Despite efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from transport, 
increasing  traffic  volumes  have  led  to  increased  CO2 
emissions from the transport sector in the past decade. 
A key challenge for the EU is to reverse this trend and a 
target has been set for 60% reduction in transport CO2 
emissions by 2050. As shown in Figure 2, road transport 
is responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions.

Policy options

Emission reductions have to be achieved by increasing  
efficiency  in  the  transport  sector,  improving  vehicle 
energy  efficiency  and  extending  the  use  of  alterna-
tive fuels and propulsion technologies. The range of 
policies adopted is wide and covers emission targets 
for new vehicles, inclusion of aviation in the Europe-
an  Emission  Trading  Scheme,  targets  to  reduce  the 
greenhouse  gas  intensity  of  fossil  fuels,  and  rolling 
resistance limits and tyre labelling. For instance, tyres 
are labelled according to their energy efficiency. Re-
duction in their rolling resistance will contribute sig-
nificantly  to  energy  efficiency  in  road  transport  and 
thus to CO2 emission reduction. 

Research

Research  is  a  key  component  in  the  EU  emission  
reduction strategy and is stimulated by EU programmes 
and  initiatives.  These  include  activities  to  improve 
knowledge  exchange  and  coordination  of  research 

TOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPE6

P o l i c y   P r i o r i t y

3 P o l i c y   P r i o r i t y

Towards efficient use  
of transport infrastructure  
and services

More  efficient  use  of  transport  infrastructure  and  services,  for  example  by 
consolidating  large  freight  volumes,  has  a  significant  impact  on  reducing  CO2 
emissions. In the last decade, European transport infrastructure has ensured a 
high degree of mobility with continuous improvements in speed, comfort, safety 
and  convenience.  However,  growing  traffic  volumes  lead  to  greater  congestion, 
increasing CO2 emissions and noise hindrance, as well as to more accidents, and 
higher operating costs for transport operators and users. 

The expected growth for both passenger and freight 
transport is presented in Figure 3. Planning for more 
efficient use of transport infrastructure and services 
is a policy priority in the EU. Improved infrastructure 
can reduce journey distances and prevent unnecessary 
journeys, in both passenger and freight transport, thus 
alleviating  congestion  and  cutting  CO2  emissions. 
In  addition,  extended  use  of  traffic  management 
and  information  systems  through  the  application 
of  Information  and  Communication  Technologies 
(ICT)  contributes  to  more  efficient  traffic  flows.

Figure 3. Projected growth in transport

Index (1990=100)
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

0
9
9
1

5
9
9
1

0
0
0
2

5
0
0
2

0
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

0
2
0
2

5
2
0
2

0
3
0
2

Passenger transport

Freight transport

EC, Directorate-General for Energy and Transport, 2008 

Infrastructure planning

The Communication on Sustainable Future for Trans-
port  (EC,  2009a)    stresses  that  new  and  upgraded 
infrastructure has to be well-planned and prioritised 
to optimise transport chains and networks. Integrated 
spatial  planning  will  contribute  to  reducing  or  even 
removing  transport  bottlenecks,  reducing  congestion 
particularly  in  urban  areas,  and  to  reducing  green-
house  gas  emissions  and  harmful  environmental 
emissions  from  transport.  This  is  illustrated  by  
Decision No 661/2010/EU of the European Parliament 
and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on Union Guidelines 
for the Development of the Trans-European Transport 
Network (EC, 2010).

Local  and  regional  benefits  in  terms  of  CO2  emission 
reduction accrue from the integration of long-term de-
velopment  of  transport  infrastructure  and  the  imple-
mentation of sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs).

Research  has  contributed  in  this  context.  Various 
research  projects  have  shown  that  mobility  policies 
and  plans  to  promote  public  transport  and  stimulate 
environmentally  friendly  transport  modes  have  led 
to  a  significant  reduction  in  car  travel  per  capita  and 
in  measurable  CO2  emission  reductions.  For  example, 
the  CATCH  project  (Carbon  Aware  Travel  Choice)  has 

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropETowards efficient use  

of transport infrastructure  

and services

7

demonstrated  that  better  planning  can  contribute  to 
CO2 emission reduction by stimulating low carbon mode 
choices.

The  dashboard-style  presentation  on  CO2  emissions 
shown in the illustration below gives a clear insight into 
the total emissions from transport in European cities.

In addition to effective planning of new transport in-
frastructure, environmental benefits are derived from 
more  effective  use  of  the  existing  network  capacity 
and from optimising the use of each mode by remov-
ing legislative, technological and operational interop-
erability barriers, especially in the rail sector. 

Intelligent Transport systems

Deployment of large scale intelligent and interoperable 
technologies is critical in optimising use of infrastruc-
ture  capacity.  Intelligent  Transport  Systems  using  In-
formation and Communication Technologies contribute 
to  greater  efficiency  of  all  transport  modes,  resulting 
in the reduction of CO2 emissions. EU initiatives and 
EU-funded projects have developed smart mobility sys-
tems, including the air traffic management system of 
the  future  (SESAR),  the  European  rail  traffic  manage-
ment  system  (ERTMS)  and  rail  information  systems, 
maritime surveillance systems (SafeSeaNet), and River 
Information Services (RIS).

ITS  applications  in  transport  demand  management 
(road  charging,  access  management,  eco-driving 
support  and  multi-modality)  can  also  substantially 
reduce CO2 emissions.

Progress in information technology has led to systems 
that can rationalise long-distance passenger journeys 
within  the  EU,  enabling  passengers  to  plan  door-to-
door multimodal journeys with the aid of integrated 
e-timetables  and  e-tickets.  More  efficient  journey 

planning  will  reduce  travel  times  and  eliminate 
unnecessary journeys, lowering CO2 emissions.

In  freight  transport,  information  technology  and 
transport  management  tools  are  used  to  optimise 
schedules  and  traffic  flows  (e-freight),  which  con-
tribute  to  reduced  congestion,  travel  time  and  CO2 
emissions. Furthermore, consolidation of large freight 
volumes for long-distance transport by rail and water 
can reduce the number and length of truck journeys, 
reducing CO2 emissions. 

Intelligent  Transport  Systems  and  Information  and 
Communication  Technologies  are  also  important  in 
supporting efficient use of transport infrastructure by 
facilitating  road  charging  and  access  management 
schemes. 

Modal shift

A  profound  contribution  to  CO2  emission  reduction 
can  be  made  by  shifting  passengers  and  freight  to 
transport  modes  with  low  CO2  emissions,  such  as 
rail and waterways. For freight transport, the Marco 
Polo  Programme  pursues  this  objective  by  co-
funding  projects  that  contribute  to  modal  shift.  The 
programme provides financial support for the start-up 
phase of new services and investments in innovations 
and  knowledge  transfer.  The  project  FREIGHTWISE 
(see  page  8)  focuses  on  developing  IT  systems  in 
integrating  intermodal  transport  chains  aiming  at 
shifting freight from road to alternative modes. 

For  passenger 
is 
transport,  urban 
responsible  for  approximately  a  quarter  of  CO2 
emissions. Research has shown — for example in the 
CIVITAS initiative — the potential for CO2 reduction by 
shifting car trips to collective transport or to cycling. 

transport 

TOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPE8

Y
R
O
T
S

S
S
E
C
C
U
S

FREIgHTWIsE

Management framework  
for intelligent intermodal  
transport

Status: Completed
Total cost: EUR 14 301 480 
EU contribution: EUR 7 930 134
Coordinator: BMT BRITISH MARITIME TECHNOLOGY
Website: www.freightwise.info

FREIGHTWISE  developed  an  IT  based  management  tool  to  simplify  and 
standardise information exchange between shippers, forwarders, and oper-
ators in an intermodal transport chain. The project demonstrated that bet-
ter information exchange decreases costs and delays, making intermodal 
transport more competitive and economically attractive. These are strong 
incentives for stimulating a freight shift from road transport to more en-
vironmentally friendly transport modes. The project results contribute to 
EU targets for CO2 emission reduction by improving management of inter-
modal transport. 

FREIGHTWISE is one of several EU funded projects 
aimed  at  stimulating  the  development  and 
promotion  of  intermodal  transport.  For  instance, 
SMART-CM  focused  on  the  management  of 
container  transport,  INTEGRITY  on  information 
systems for door-to-door container transport, and 
KOMODA on development of integrated e-logistics 
for intermodal freight transport across Europe.

BACkGROUnd 

FREIGHTWISE  brought  together  stakeholders  in 
intermodal transport in the EU Member States. 

by 

intermodal 

The  project  aimed  to  improve  management 
of 
facilitating 
transport 
information  exchange  between  all  participants 
in  the  intermodal  chain.  The  project  results 
were developed and tested in nine case studies 
covering  management  solutions  in  intermodal 
transport in the EU Member States. For instance, 
the  North-West  case  developed  management 
solutions  for  the  road,  rail,  and  maritime 
transport from Scandinavia to United Kingdom. 
The  North-East  case  developed  an  information 
system  for  cross-border  transport  in  Finland, 
Estonia and Russia. The Central case focused on 

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropE 
9

the integration of small and medium enterprises 
(SMEs) in intermodal transport.

REsUlTs

FREIGHTWISE  contributed  to  CO2  reduction  by 
making intermodal transport more efficient and 
competitive. The key projects results are:

Standardised information exchange
FREIGHTWISE  established  a  framework  to 
standardise 
information  exchange  between 
stakeholders  in  the  intermodal  transport  chain. 
Implementation  of  this  framework  will  reduce 
delays and costs and also improve transparency 
of  transport  operations.  It  offers  stakeholders 
the  option  to  compare  prices  and  emissions 
in  transport  solutions,  thus  enabling  more 
sustainable choices to be made. 

Communication platform for intermodal 
stakeholders
Increasing  freight  volumes  in  road  transport 
together  with 
congestion,  oil 
increasing 
dependency, CO2 emissions, and noise hindrance 
are  high  on  the  agenda.  This  requires  greater 
interaction between stakeholders in the different 
economic sectors. The project provided European 
transport  operators  and  other  stakeholders 
with  a  platform  to  communicate  sustainable, 

long-term  transport  solutions  using  intermodal 
transport. 

Facilitating  SME  integration  in  intermodal 
transport 
SMEs  have  the  major  share  of  road  transport, 
thus  contributing  significantly  to  transport 
CO2  emissions.  FREIGHTWISE  showed  that  the 
threshold  for  advanced  IT  management  tools 
was  too  high  for  most  of  these  companies  in 
terms  of  cost  and  know-how.  FREIGHTWISE 
focused on ensuring better interoperability with 
the SME operational systems aimed at improving 
integration in the intermodal transport chain and 
strengthening  participation  in  environmentally 
friendly transport modes. 

SUCCESS STORYTOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPE10

4 P o l i c y   P r i o r i t y

Towards more energy  
efficient transport

Increasing  energy  efficiency  in  all  transport  modes  will  contribute  to  reducing 
CO2 emissions. To this end, European policy and research aims to contribute to 
developing an appropriate fuel efficiency regulation, which will be set to support 
research on new technologies and engines, and to promote the market for clean 
and energy-efficient road transport vehicles.

EU  policy  embraces  raising  vehicle  energy  efficiency 
—  ratio  of  distance  travelled  per  unit  of  fuel 
consumed — and rationalising transport requirements 
and  user  behaviour  for  more  efficient  movement  of 
passengers  and  freight.  The  Europe  2020  flagship 
initiative  ‘Resource-Efficient  Europe’  promotes  new 
technologies  to  modernise  and  decarbonise  the 
transport sector.  

Fuel efficiency regulation

The  longer  the  distance  travelled  per  unit  of  fossil 
fuel, the more fuel-efficient the transport mode. Thus, 
an  increase  in  a  vehicle’s  fuel  efficiency  will  reduce 
its CO2 emissions. Fuel efficiency has been addressed 
through voluntary agreements with car manufacturers 
on CO2 emissions and the mandatory labelling of cars, 
showing a progressive improvement in CO2 emissions. 
Euro  5  and  6  standards  for  passenger  cars  were 
agreed  in  2006,  and  come  into  force  in  2009  and 
2014, respectively.

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropETowards more energy  

efficient transport

Public  and  private  stakeholders  par-
ticipating  in  the  CARS  21  initiative 
(Competitive  Automotive  Regula-
tory  System  for  the  21st  Cen-
tury) have developed a regulatory 
framework for the European auto-
motive  industry.  This  initiative  ad-
dresses CO2 emission reduction and 
has led to recommendations to deliver 
improved  measurement  standards  for 
cars and light duty vehicles that take into ac-
count real life conditions, such as urban traffic.

The  recommendations  delivered  by  the  CARS  21 
initiative have been taken into account in setting the EC 
Regulation  on  emission  standards  for  new  passenger 
cars  (EC,  2009b).  In  2012,  CO2  emissions  are  limited 
to  130  g/km  (4.5  l/100  km)  for  new  diesel  cars  and  
5.0 l/100 km for new petrol cars. The regulation is to be 
extended to CO2 emission reduction for light commercial 
vehicles to be effective in 2016. Figure 4 presents the 
development of the share of CO2 emission categories of 
new cars sold in Europe.

Research on new technologies 
and engines

11

2020 and by 10% for new heavy-

duty vehicles. 

is  ongoing 

Research on new technologies 
and  engines 
in 
almost  all  sectors.  Current 
research on vehicle technology 
structural 
includes 
optimal 
solutions,  as  well  as  new  design 
concepts  for  cars,  ships,  aircraft 
and  locomotives,  to  increase  energy 

efficiency and thus reduce CO2 emissions. 

Research  projects  aimed  at 
improving  energy 
efficiency are being carried out in all transport modes, 
they include:
• 

 more fuel-efficient engines for light-duty road 
vehicles
 innovative power trains for commercial vehicles 
that deliver power to the surface more efficiently, 
including engine and transmission technology
 emission-reduction technologies for diesel loco-
motives and marine engines
 clean  and  energy  efficient  marine  diesel  power 
trains
 electric  ship 
propulsion technologies

including  electric 

technology, 

• 

• 

• 

• 

EU  funded  research  is  developing  technologies  that 
will enable a further 40% reduction in CO2 emissions 
from new passenger cars and light-duty vehicles by 

The  CO2  reduction  potential  in  maritime  transport, 
as  identified  in  the  EU-funded  project  HERCULES, 

Figure 4. CO2 emissions from new cars 1995-2010 

%
100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

1995

1998

in g/km

2001

≥161

2004

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

160-141

140-121

≤120

ACEA, 2012

TOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPE12

is  shown  in  Figure  5.  Research  contributes  to  the 
development  of  cleaner,  more  efficient  technology  in 
aviation. 

Figure 5. Potential of CO2 and GHGs  
reduction from ship engine research

initiative 

The European Commission and the aviation industry 
are  collaborating  in  the  Clean  Sky  joint  initiative. 
is  directed  towards  greener  air 
This 
transport  by  optimising  aircraft  technology  with,  for 
instance, smart wings, more energy-efficient engines 
and  aircraft  design  (eco-design).  The  Sustainable 
and  Green  Engine  (SAGE)  Integrated  Technology 
demonstrator  (ITD)  of  Clean  Sky  is  dedicated  to 
demonstrating engine technologies for all sectors of 
the civil aerospace market, including regional, narrow 
body and wide body fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft.

The  Advisory  Council  for  Aeronautical  Research  in 
Europe (ACARE) has identified the following as being 
the  main  contributors  to  the  achievement  of  the 
targeted 50% reduction in CO2 emissions: 
•  Efficient aircraft: 20-25%
•  Efficient engines: 15-20%
• 

Improved air traffic management: 5-10%

In  the  rail  sector,  EU  funded  research  on  improving 
energy efficiency is working on a range of options. These 
include  innovative  traction  technologies,  components 
and  layouts,  the  development  of  rolling  stock,  and 
operation  and  infrastructure  management  strategies 
see the project Railenergy on page 13. 

green Public Procurement

Green Public Procurement is a powerful market mover 
for the introduction of new technologies and stimulates 
procurement  of  energy-efficient  and  low-carbon  vehi-
cles. This initiative is directed to national, regional and 
local  contracting  authorities  and  contracting  entities 
and operators of public transport services. 

%
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

Reduction of  f uel consumption and CO2  emissions 
Reduction of  NOx (relative  to IMO 2000 standard) 
Reduction of  other emission components (PM, HC) 

HERCULES - B project, 2012

Directive 2009/33/EC on the Promotion of Clean and 
Energy Efficient Road Transport Vehicles (EC, 2009c) 
aims  at  stimulating  broad  market  introduction  of 
environmentally  friendly  vehicles.  The  Directive 
requires  that  energy  and  environmental  impacts 
linked to vehicle operation be incorporated in purchase 
decisions.  These  lifetime  impacts  include  vehicle 
energy  consumption,  CO2  emissions,  and  emissions 
of  the  regulated  pollutants  of  NOx  (Nitorgene 
Oxide),  NMHC  (Non-Methane  Hydrocarbon)  and  PM 
(particulate matter). 

Implementation  of  the  directive  is  supported  by 
the  Intelligent  Energy  Europe  (IEE)  programme  to 
develop  tools  and  techniques.  For  example,  lifetime 
cost  toolboxes  have  been  developed  to  calculate  fuel 
consumption,  CO2  emissions,  and  vehicle  emissions 
under road operating conditions, based on simple on-
board measurements.

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropE13

Y
R
O
T
S

S
S
E
C
C
U
S

Railenergy

Energy efficiency  
solutions for railway 
rolling stock, rail  
infrastructure, and 
train operations 

Status: Completed 
Total cost: EUR 14 666 569
EU contribution: EUR 7 999 999
Coordinator: UNION OF EUROPEAN RAILWAY 
INDUSTRIES
Website: www.railenergy.org

Railenergy  has  demonstrated  that  promising  new  technologies  are 
available to cut energy consumption by rail transport, with spin offs for 
reduction in CO2 emission and life-cycle costs. The project demonstrated 
that  the  6%  energy  reduction  target  for  European  railways  by  2020  is 
achievable  with  the  implementation  of  common  technical  standards, 
infrastructure management strategies, and traction technology measures 
that can also be applied to existing rolling stock.

Funded under the Sixth Framework Programme, 
Railenergy  brought  together  27  European 
railway  operators,  infrastructure  managers, 
component  suppliers  and  consultancies  in  a 
sector-wide platform. Building on an integrated 
approach, the project generated new validation 
standards  for  the  energy  performance  of  rail 
products and services, and contributed to further 
harmonisation of the rail sector in the EU.

BACkGROUnd 

Railways are highly energy efficient compared to 
other  transport  modes.  This  is  mainly  because 

of low rolling and air resistance of locomotives, 
railcars and wagons running on dedicated tracks, 
and in a controlled, regulated driving pattern. 

Energy  consumption  in  the  railway  system  is 
determined by the highly interrelated subsystems 
of rolling stock, infrastructure, signalling systems 
and circulation schemes. The Railenergy project 
adopted  an  integrated  approach  to  identify 
technical and operational measures to increase 
the efficiency of planning, design, procurement 
and operation of the railway system. To quantify 
the impact of such measures, a detailed model 
was developed to forecast energy consumption 

TOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPE 
14

in  the  rail  system.  A  baseline  scenario  up  to 
2020 was used as the benchmark in assessing 
technical and operational options for reducing 
energy consumption.

REsUlTs

Railenergy resulted in a series of technological 
and  operational  measures  to  improve  energy 
efficiency  in  rail  transport,  with  consequent 
impacts on C02 emission reduction.

Toward EU technical standards
Railenergy facilitated production of the first joint 
‘Technical  Recommendation  on  Specification 
and  Verification  of  Energy  Consumption  for 
Railway  Rolling  Stock’  (TecRec  100_001) 
by  the  International  Union  of  Railways  and 
the  European  Rail  Industry.  This  voluntary 
standard provides the framework for generating 
comparable  energy  performance  values  for 
trains and locomotives on a common basis and 
thus supporting benchmarking and improvement 
of the energy efficiency of rail vehicles.

Energy efficiency calculator
Railenergy  developed  an  energy  efficiency 
calculator to establish the energy saving potential 
for suburban, regional, intercity and freight trains 
over their service life. This calculator is to be 
used in assessing energy efficiency strategies. 

Recommendations for operational measures
In-service  and  out-of-service  measures  were 
identified that result in high savings at relatively 
low costs compared to technological options. These 
operation measures include eco-driving procedures 
for all types of power supply, energy-efficient traffic 
management, and parked train management.

Recommendations for technological 
measures
Promising  technological  measures  for  rolling 
stock include motor flux management, energy 
management  of  auxiliaries,  and  medium 
frequency  energy  distribution.  Measures  for 
diesel trains include permanent magnet motor 
technology  and  on-board  energy  storage 
systems.  Most  of  these  technologies  can  be 
applied  during  refits  of  existing  rolling  stock, 
even with a short service life. 

Y
R
O
T
S

S
S
E
C
C
U
S

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropE 
15

5

P o l i c y  co n t e x t

Use of alternative fuels 
and propulsion systems

Extensive research and development has led to advanced technologies with the poten-
tial to replace fossil fuel driven vehicles with alternative fuels and propulsion systems 
to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The stage has been reached where 
pilot projects are being implemented in each of the key transport modes. 

Alternative fuels refer to alternatives to gasoline and 
diesel.  Advanced  technologies  are  being  explored  to 
enable  a  sustainable  shift  from  a  fossil-driven  to  a 
decarbonised transport system. Promising alternative 
fuels are:
• 

 electricity/hydrogen  and  biofuels  (liquids)  as 
options in all transport modes
 synthetic fuels as a bridge from fossil to biomass-
based fuels
 methane (natural gas and biomethane) and Lique-
fied Petroleum Gas (LPG) gas complementary fuels

• 

• 

The  extent  and  complexity  of  the  CO2  reduction  chal-
lenge  in  transport  require  extensive  R&I  investment  in 
the full scope of options. Under various EU programmes, 
research  on  alternative  fuels  ranges  from  fundamen-
tal research to market entry strategies. Demonstration 
projects on vehicle and infrastructure performance and 
safety are being carried out with a view to removing bar-
riers to market entry in the key transport modes. These 
demonstration  projects  include  vehicles  powered  with 

biofuels, hydrogen and fuel cells as well as battery elec-
tric and hybrid electric vehicles with plug-in technology. 

Road transport 

Contributing about one-fifth of all CO2 emissions in the 
EU, road transport is a primary target for research on 
alternative  fuels.  Biofuels  are  already  on  the  market, 
either as admix or as self-contained fuel. Pilot projects 
are  being  carried  out  on  other  alternative  fuels  and 
propulsion systems, such as electricity. However, further 
R&I  is  needed  to  achieve  commercial  breakthroughs 
with these technologies.

Policies and strategies for CO2 emission reduction have 
set targets for 2020 to increase the share of biofuels 
and of alternative hydrocarbon fuels. Targets have also 
been set for the development of hydrogen and fuel cell 
technology as economic, safe and reliable alternatives 
to fossil fuel. Research indicates promising applications 
for electric vehicles for short distances, hydrogen and 

Figure 6. Market penetration of fuel and propulsion systems 

60%

40%

20%

0%

2010

2020

2030

2040

2050

HEV (hybrid 
electric 
vehicle) 

BEV (battery 
electric 
vehicle) 

FCEV (fuel 
cell  electric 
vehicle) 

Benzin

Diesel

Others

GHG-TransPoRD, 2012

TOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPE16

methane for medium distances, and bio-
fuels/synthetic fuels, LNG (Liquefied Nat-
ural Gas) and LPG for long distances to 
reduce CO2 emissions from road trans-
port. New concepts for freight transport 
based on electricity may change the logis-
tics chain. The expected market penetration 
of alternative fuels and propulsion systems in 
road transport is presented in Figure 6 (see page 15). 

Short-distance journeys
Most  people  in  Europe  live  in  urban  areas  and  mainly 
travel  short  distances.  Such  journeys  are  estimated 
to  account  for  40%  of  all  CO2  emissions  from  road 
transport. The EU target for 2030 is to cut the number 
of fossil-fuelled vehicles in urban areas by half and to 
phase  out  these  vehicles  by  2050.  CO2-free  transport 
and logistics in large cities is the target for 2030.

Low emission requirements and their maximum range 
favour the development of electric vehicles especially for 
urban use. Increasing the share of renewable energy in 
electricity production would then have a direct impact on 
transport CO2 emissions. Electrification of road transport 
and  the  introduction  of  electric  vehicles  are  major 
components of the European Green Car Initiative. This 
public private partnership supports R&I on technologies 
and infrastructure for alternative energy sources.

Medium to long-distance journeys
On the path to low emission vehicles, vehicles fuelled 
with biodiesel or biogas show the greatest promise in 
the short term for medium and long-distance journeys. 
Second generation biofuels generated from biomass can 
reduce CO2 emissions from road transport significantly. 
In the long term, new fuel and propulsion systems are 
needed to achieve the CO2 emission reduction targets 
set for 2050. The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen initiative aims 
to  accelerate  the  introduction  of  these  two  future-
oriented technologies with the development of robust 
hydrogen  supply  and  fuel  cell  technologies.  Other 
alternatives will be explored in Horizon 2020.

Rail transport 

Railway  services,  including  urban  rail  systems,  run 
mainly on electricity, which will remain the major source 
of  power  for  railways.  Further  electrification  of  rail 
tracks wherever feasible will contribute to CO2 emission 
reduction as will the use of sustainable fuels for energy 

generation.  Power  generation  is  on 
a  path  of  decarbonisation  through 
the  ‘Emission  Trading  System’  and 
renewable  energy  targets  also  apply 
to railway services. 

Where  electrification 

is  not  feasible 
or  economically  viable  —  for  instance  in 
rural  areas  —  the  diesel  engine  is  currently  the 
only  option.  EU-funded  research  initiatives  such  as 
Railenergy  are  investigating  advanced  biofuels  and 
innovative engine technology to reduce CO2 emissions 
for  non-electrified  tracks.  Research  has  led  to  the 
development  of  lower  carbon  technologies  for  diesel 
locomotives  and  rail  vehicles  including  rail  cars,  light 
and heavy-haul locomotives, and hybrid technologies.

Water transport

The  challenging  target  for  maritime  transport  is  a 
40% reduction in CO2 emissions from maritime bunker 
fuels. Research covers a wide range of aspects, from 
testing  biofuels  as  short-term  alternatives  to  fossil 
fuel to battery-powered pilot vessels for the long-term. 
There are good prospects for synthetic and paraffinic 
fuels  for  all  types  of  vessels.  New  ship  designs  and 
new  engines  based  on  the  Energy  Efficiency  Design 
Index (EEDI) will influence CO2 production. For inland 
waterways and small boats, hydrogen is a promising 
alternative,  while  LPG  and  LNG  show  potential  for 
short  sea  shipping  vessels,  and  LNG  and  nuclear 
power for maritime shipping.

Air transport

Civil aviation produces 2 to 3% of transport CO2 emis-
sions. There is a target of 50% emission reduction per 
passenger-kilometre by 2020. Also, 40% of aviation 
services should operate on low carbon fuels by 2050. 

The  highest  priority  in  aviation  research  is  the 
development  of  greener  engine  technologies  for 
market  application,  such  as  in  the  Clean  Sky  Joint 
Initiative. While aviation will continue to rely on liquid 
kerosene, promising sustainable alternatives to fossil 
kerosene  are  synthetic  biomass-derived  fuels  and 
second  generation  biofuels.  As  a  result  of  extensive 
research, biofuels were approved for use in 2011 and 
demonstration and commercial flights are now being 
carried out using add-on biofuels. 

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropE17

Y
R
O
T
S

S
S
E
C
C
U
S

TOsCa

Technical opportunities 
and strategies to  
climate friendly  
transport

Status: Completed
Total cost: EUR 743 196
EU contribution: EUR  743 196
Coordinator: UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Website: www.toscaproject.org

The TOSCA project identified technologies and alternative fuels to decrease 
energy  use  in  all  transport  modes  by  20  to  30%  and  thus  to  achieve  a 
significant  reduction  in  CO2  and  other  greenhouse  gas  emissions.  These 
technologies include plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and second 
generation biofuels. A further 5 to 20% energy reduction can be achieved 
with the deployment of intelligent transport systems. However, an uptake 
of new techno-logies requires further policy interventions to bring emis-
sion reduction closer to the 2050 targets.

BACkGROUnd 

Funded under the Seventh Framework Programme, 
TOSCA assessed the strategic perspective of new 
transport  technologies  and  fuels  for  reducing 
energy  consumption  and  greenhouse  gas 
emissions.  To  evaluate  policy  interventions  to 
push these technologies and fuels in the market 
place,  TOSCA  assessed  the  technical  feasibility 
and economic affordability of new technologies in 
road, rail, sea and air transport.

REsUlTs

Techno-economic assessment 
A techno-economic assessment of all transport 

• 

modes and fuels demonstrated that promising 
technologies possibly available after 2020, such 
as stepwise electrification for power-trains, could 
reduce energy use and CO2 emissions. 

The  most  promising  technologies  in  terms 
of  emission  reduction  and  cost  effectiveness 
still  require  substantial  R&I  investment  and 
potentially  also  new 
infrastructure.  These 
technologies  in  the  different  transport  modes 
include:
• 

 light vehicles, electronically driven train (hy-
brids and battery electric), fuel-cell electroni-
cally driven train and biofuel technologies 
 heavy trucks, reduced rolling resistance and 
F-T diesel (Fischer-Tropsch diesel)

TOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPE 
18

• 

• 

 trains,  combination  technology  and  freight  
improvements
 aircraft, open rotor engines and F-T jet (Fis-
cher-Tropsch jet)

•  ships, air cavity system.

Demand scenarios
The impacts of these new technologies without 
additional policy interventions, such as regulatory 
measures,  subsidies  and  tax  incentives,  were 
assessed in various transport demand scenarios. 
The results indicated that even under the most 
favourable  scenario,  reduction  in  greenhouse 
gas emission did not reach the targets set for 
2050 (see Figure 7 CO2 Emissions). This scenario 
assumed relatively low economic growth in the 
EU-27 (+0.7% GDP per year), relatively high oil 
prices  (€54  to  €144  per  barrel  in  2050)  and 
electricity produced with less CO2 emissions than 
under current practices (3% per year per unit of 
electricity production). 

Policy intervention
With limited policy interventions (R&I, carbon 
tax  and  subsidies)  a  maximum  emission 
reduction of 20% would be possible in 2050. 
TOSCA concluded that extensive R&I investment 
would be required to reduce direct emissions in 
2050 by 11 to 13%, in addition to the above 
described  result  from  policy  interventions.  In 
combination with a carbon tax (0.5 to 0.8% of 
GDP in 2050) this latter percentage reduction 
could increase 18 to 25%. R&I combined with 
a subsidy scheme would promote the uptake of 
alternative-fuelled vehicles and reduce direct 
emissions  by  20  to  30%  in  2050.  However, 
emission reduction would come closer to 1990 
levels if there were an increased R&I investment 
(2% of GDP) together with a mix of subsidies 
and taxes as well as the potential for biofuel 
imports (see Figure 7). 

Figure 7. CO2 Emissions

Y
R
O
T
S

S
S
E
C
C
U
S

TOSCA project, 2010

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropE 
19

6 W H A t’ s  n e x t?

Policy and Research 
outlook

Research and Innovation has contributed to developing 
targets for CO2 emission reduction set out in the 2011 
White Paper on Transport. In implementing these poli-
cies, continued R&I is essential in developing and sup-
porting advanced technologies and innovative solutions 
needed to reduce the transport sector’s oil dependency, 
and to curb environmental and social impacts. R&I ef-
forts towards a low carbon transport system are vital 
to the EU objective of transforming European transport 
into a modern, resource-efficient and safe system. 

To  help  prioritise  and  focus  EU  policy  in  transport 
research, innovation and deployment, the Commission 
is  preparing  a  Strategic  Transport  Technology  Plan 
(STTP).  The  plan  will  set  out  a  comprehensive 
long-term  approach  (2035-2050)  in  which  new 
technologies  are  placed  in  a  social,  environmental, 
and institutional context. The emphasis will be on the 
deployment  of  leading-edge  technologies.  R&I  and 
market  entry  roadmaps  will  be  prepared  for  various 
technologies to cover the entire innovation chain from 
fundamental research to market entry. The plan will 
identify related policy, and financial and organisational  
elements  required  for  sustainable  implementation 

of  innovative  solutions.  In  collaboration  with  sector 
stakeholders and the Member States, the STTP will be 
used  to  facilitate  coordination  of  public  and  private 
research and innovation efforts across Europe.

In  parallel  with  the  preparation  of  the  STTP,  the 
Common  Strategic  Framework  for  Research  and 
Innovation  (Horizon  2020)  has  been  prepared  and 
adopted by the European Commission. Horizon 2020 
is aligned with the EU policy objectives set out in the 
White Paper on Transport and identifies development 
and  operation  of  smart,  green  and 
integrated 
transport as a priority societal challenge.

Closer cooperation and interaction between EU, national 
and regional research programmes and initiatives is es-
sential in increasing the efficiency of research invest-
ments.  This  is  necessary  to  prevent  duplication  and 
to achieve the critical mass required for breakthrough 
technological innovations to support targets for a low 
carbon  transport  system.  Moreover,  information  ex-
change in transport R&I with countries outside the EU 
needs to be fostered and extended in tackling issues in 
decarbonising transport on a global scale.

TOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPE20

Bibliography

l   ACEA (2012): European Automobile Manufacturers’ association, Key figures, Trends in new cars characteristics,  

http://www.acea.be/collection/statistics/ 

l    CIVITAS METEOR (2006): CIVITAS 1 Cross site Evaluation, METEOR Deliverable 6, METEOR consortium, Rijswijk. 
l   European Commission (2009a): Communication from the Commission, A sustainable future for transport:  

Towards an integrated, technology-led and user friendly system, COM(2009) 279 final, Brussels. 

l   European Commission (2009b): Regulation (EC) No 43/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 

April 2009 setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars as part of the Community’s  
integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles, Official Journal of the European Union,  
L 140/1

l   European Commission (2009c): Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 
2009 on the Promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles, Official Journal of the European 
Union, L 120/5 

l   European Commission (2010): Decision No 661/2010/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 
2010 on Union Guidelines for the Development of the Trans-European Transport Network, Official Journal of the 
European Union, L 204/1. 

l   European Commission (2011): White Paper, Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area, Towards a competitive 

and resource efficient transport system, COM(2011) 144 final, Brussels.

l    European Commission (2011a): Communication from the  
Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the  
European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, Energy Roadmap 2050, 
COM(2011) 885 final, Brussels.

l   European Commission (2011b): Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, estab-
lishing Horizon 2020 – The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, COM (2011) 809 final, Brussels.

l   European Commission, Directorate – General for Climate Action (2010a): The Climate and Energy Package,  

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/package/index_en.htm 

l   European Commission, Directorate – General for Climate Action (2010b): Reducing Emissions from transport,  

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/index_en.htm 

l   European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy and Transport (2007): Impact Assessment on a new  

approach for the cleaner and more efficient vehicles directive proposal, edited by PWC, Final Report.  

l   European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy and Transport (2008): European Energy and Transport 
Trends to 2030 – Update 2007, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. 

l   European Green Cars Initiative (2012): Public-Private Partnership European Green Cars Initiative, 

 http://www.green-cars-initiative.eu.

l   European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Initiative: Public – Private Partnership European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen  

Initiative, http://www.fch-ju.eu 

l   European Clean Sky Initiative: Public – Private Partnership Clean Sky, http://www.cleansky.eu/ 
l   FREIGHTWISE (2008): EU FP6 project, Framework for Intelligent Intermodal Transport,  

http://www.freightwise.info/cms/

l   GHG-TransPoRD (2012): EU FP7 project, Reducing greenhouse-gas emissions of transport beyond 2020: linking 

R&D, transport policies and reduction targets , http://www.ghg-transpord.eu/ghg-transpord/index.php

l   HERCULES - B project (2012): Higher – Efficiency engine with ultra – low emissions for ship,  

http://www.hercules-b.com 

l   Railenergy (2010):  EU FP6 project, Innovative Integrated Energy Efficiency Solutions for Railway Rolling Stock, 

Rail Infrastructure and Train Operation, http://www.railenergy.org/ 

l   TOSCA (2009): EU FP7 project, Technology Opportunities and Strategies Toward Climate-Friendly Transport,  

http://www.toscaproject.org/

l   Transport for London “Case study London Congestion Charging”:  

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/congestioncharging/

l   United Nations (1998): Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Towards low carbon TransporT in EuropE21

Glossary

ACARE

CARS21

CIVITAS

CO2
CORDIS

COST

EC

EEDI

ECCP

ERA-NET

ERTMS

ETS

EU

Advisory Council for Aeronautical Research in Europe

Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st Century

Clean and Better Transport in Cities

Carbon dioxide

Community Research and Development Information Service

European Cooperation in Science and Technology

European Commission

Energy Efficiency Design Index

European Climate Change Programme

Framework for coordination of research activities

European Rail Traffic Management System

Emission Trading Scheme

European Union

F-T DIESEL

Fischer-Tropsch diesel 

F-T JET

GDP

ICT

IEE

IT

ITD

ITS

LNG

LPG

NMHC

NOx
PM

R&I

RIS

SAGE

SESAR

SMEs

STTP

SUMPs

TEN-T

TRIP

TRKC

Fischer-Tropsch jet

Gross Domestic Product

Information and Communication Technologies

Intelligent Energy Europe

Information Technologies

Integrated Technology Demonstrator

Intelligent Transport Systems

Liquefied Natural Gas

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Non-Methane Hydrocarbon

Nitrogen Oxide

Particulate matter 

Research and Innovation

River Information Services

Sustainable and Green Engine

Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research

Small and medium enterprises

Strategic Transport Technology Plan

Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans

Trans-European Transport Network

Transport Research and Innovation Portal

Transport Research Knowledge Centre

TOWARDS LOW CARBON TRANSPORT IN EUROPEM
I
-
3
1
-
1
2
-
5
4
2
-
E
N
-
C

The  ambitious  target  of  60%  reduction  in  greenhouse  gas  emissions 

by  2050  requires  transformation  of  the  transport  system  in  Europe.  

Decarbonising  transport  calls  for  the  use  of  less  and  cleaner  energy, 

and  more  efficient  use  of  modern  transport  infrastructure  and  services. 

These  strategic  targets  in  EU  policy  are  supported  by  substantial  

investment  in  research  to  develop  innovative  and  sustainable  solutions 

in  efficient  use  of  transport  infrastructure  and  services,  more  energy-

efficient  transport,  and  use  of  alternative  fuels  and  propulsion  systems. 

This  Policy  Brochure,  which  is  produced  by  the  Transport  Research  and 

Innovation  Portal  (TRIP),  highlights  the  contribution  of  research  and  

innovation  in  meeting  the  EU  targets  on  CO2  emission  reduction  in  the 

transport system.

www.transport-research.info

Publication: Towards low carbon transport in Europe 

Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Union

2012 - 20p - 17.6 x 25 cm

ISBN: 978-92-79-23255-8

doi:10.2832/7573