Scenarios for energy transition in public transport

Abstract

The growing global demand for new energy sources and innovative technologies is driven by environmental concerns and the need to address the worldwide energy crisis. The Paris Climate Agreement, also known as the United Nations Climate Change Conference Paris 2015 (COP21), has compelled nations to explore cleaner, more sustainable, and carbon-neutral technologies and products. This commitment was reaffirmed at the 2021 Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Ireland. This study seeks to determine whether the global shift in transportation models from combustion to electric traction holds promise for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Brazilian context, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation. To investigate this, a quantitative field research approach was employed, accompanied by relevant literature references. Key indicators, including urban bus routes in Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil, their average mileage, emissions, and energy efficiency, were examined in comparison to electric buses. The research applied the Life Cycle principle, known as "Well to Wheels," to assess emissions in relation to the bus's propulsion system and energy sources. The findings revealed a remarkable 97.19% reduction in emissions (in gCO2eq/km) when using electricity from the predominantly renewable Brazilian electricity grid. Additionally, a 98.37% reduction in emissions (in gCO2eq/km) was observed when a photovoltaic system served as the energy source. These results underscore the sustainable potential of such systems in addressing the urgent global climate crisis.