Technology Innovations in Green Transport

Peter Bitta Bikam

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-86178-0_4

Abstract

AbstractThe paper uses the case study of Limpopo province to discuss technology innovations in green transport in South Africa with respect to the reduction of global greenhouse emission through technology innovation. South Africa’s emission from fuel combustion is the world’s 15th largest in forms of CO emission because it contributes about 1.2% of global emissions. In a submission from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) on the impact of greenhouse emissions stated that companies are required to be innovative to reduce the carbon emission levels in South Africa. Literature on road transport in South Africa shows that road transport is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 19% of global energy consumption. The policy to promote an integrated public transport in municipalities is in line with the National Development Plan and the White Paper on National Climate Change Response. This requires innovative technology that promotes carbon trading markets such as taxi recapitalisation programmes and carbon tax on new vehicles. The study analysed the factors influencing green technology innovations in South Africa with specific reference to Limpopo province green transportation study. The methodology used to unpack innovative technology in South Africa discusses green technology in Limpopo province in the context of greenhouse gases emission reduction innovative technologies in the transport sector with respect to sustainable fuels, energy efficient systems and smart information as well as hybrid technologies. The study advances arguments on technologies for engine and propulsion systems, alternative energy sources, navigation technologies, cargo handling systems, heating and cooling vehicles, road and rail vehicles and maritime transportation with respect to innovations as well as battery charging systems, engine oil disposal etc. The findings shows that no single trajectory of technology innovation in green transport will suffice but technological innovations that improve fuel economy and transition from fossil fuels to cleaner fuel alternatives. The study in Limpopo province showed that green transport innovations must not obscure the role of non-technological innovations in reducing emissions, but the two should be tackled with green transport value chain as a whole.

Highlights

Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission from the transport sector in South Africa should be a matter of priority considering that most major role players in the transport manufacturing industry are committed to shifting to new innovative technologies such as electric cars or hybrid vehicles
Technological innovations in the transport industry has been narrowly defined and such narrow definition can limit for example innovations in traffic management or smart transport logistics and non-technological innovations that reduce emissions related to road transport
The study shows that both technical and non-technical innovations are relevant concepts that require more in-depth research to address the problems of greenhouse emissions in South Africa and in particular Limpopo Province

Summary

Introduction

Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission from the transport sector in South Africa should be a matter of priority considering that most major role players in the transport manufacturing industry are committed to shifting to new innovative technologies such as electric cars or hybrid vehicles. The issue of technology innovation in South Africa has to be addressed from a holistic approach across the value chain in addition to tax policies to reduce greenhouse emission in the transport industry In rural provinces, such as Limpopo the participation of traffic officers, bus and taxi drivers, car repairers, and manufacturers would be primordial (Lin and Ho 2010). The paper uses examples from Limpopo province to argue that technological innovations that improve fuel economy and the transformation of the energy bases of the transport sector are essentials for GHS abatement These innovations must consider the value chain in the transport industry including non-technological innovations such as green transport logistics display of information for commuters. The Limpopo case study demonstrates the experience of many rural dwellers who depend on the current form of motor vehicle technology to commute, but the current technology and vehicle use increases the emission of CO2, NOx, CO and VOC (Litman and Burwell 2006)

Literature Review

Methodology

Discussions

Challenges to Technology Innovation in Green Transport in Limpopo Province

Findings

Conclusions