Problems and prospects of sustainable low carbon development of transport in Russia

Abstract

This article discusses the problems and prospects of sustainable low carbon transport development in Russia. Forecast scenario of Russian transport sector development was elaborated, which includes justification of the set of estimates of GHG emission by separate modes of transport and the transport industry as a whole, quantitative assessment of GHG emission from road, urban electric, rail, air, maritime, inland water transport, road building/maintenance and also justification of possible GHG emissions reduction targets when implementing the most effective measures for the period till 2030. Saving of gross GHG emission in 2030 at 2015 level or its reduction by 1.87–5.5 % is possible in case of implementation of a set of proposed measures. Package of comprehensive measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emission, first of all from motor transport based on balance of administrative, economic and mixed methods of the State regulation should be focused on introduction of carbon transport tax and norms of specific (per km of mileage) CO2 emission and fuel consumption of vehicles, as well as the redistribution of the passenger and freight transport work from road and air transport to less energy-intensive transport modes (water, rail, urban electric cycling).