Abstract
The long-term transition towards a low-carbon transport sector is a key strategy in Europe. This includes the replacement of fossil fuels, modal shifts towards public transport as well as higher energy efficiency in the transport sector overall. While these energy savings are likely to reduce the direct greenhouse gas emissions of transport, they also require the production of new and different vehicles. This study analyses in detail whether final energy savings in the transport sector also induce savings for material resources from nature if the production of future vehicles is considered. The results for 28 member states in 2030 indicate that energy efficiency in the transport sector leads to lower carbon emissions as well as resource use savings. However, energy-efficient transport sectors can have a significant impact on the demand for metals in Europe. An additional annual demand for 28.4 Mt of metal ores was calculated from the personal transport sector in 2030 alone. The additional metal ores from semiprecious metals (e.g., copper) amount to 12.0 Mt, from precious metals (e.g., gold) to 9.1 Mt and from other metals (e.g., lithium) to 11.7 Mt, with small savings for ferrous metal ores (−4.6 Mt).
Highlights
The transport sector in Europe is responsible for one quarter of the region’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Energy-efficient transport sectors can have a significant impact on the demand for metals in Europe
This study focuses on EEIs in the transport sector, which were modeled by the University of Antwerp
Summary
The transport sector in Europe is responsible for one quarter of the region’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A transition towards low-carbon transport alone would enable a 60% reduction until 2050 compared to 1990 [1]. They promote, for example, low- and zero-emission vehicles or a switch to alternative energy for transport. From a technical point of view, this translates into fewer and other vehicles (modal shift). These vehicles are either more fuel efficient or powered by alternative sources of mechanical energy
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