Of all end-use sectors the transport sector accounts for more than a third of global CO2 emissions
Transportation, encompassing air, road, rail, and marine modes, is crucial to our society and economy. As economic growth drives up demand, the sector remains a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, heavily reliant on oil products like petrol and diesel. Transitioning to lower carbon fuels is challenging due to the current energy density needs that batteries and hydrogen can't fully meet. However, policies worldwide, including financial incentives for low-emission vehicles and future bans on petrol and diesel cars, are promoting change.
A transformation driven by electrification, shared mobility, and automation is underway. Electric vehicles, integrated with the energy system, offer smart charging opportunities to enhance grid management. This shift, supported by technological advances and market trends, presents chances for a more sustainable transport sector. Key changes include modal shift, behavioural adjustments, vehicle efficiency improvements, and the adoption of low carbon fuels and new business models.
For the latest news and articles on the transport sector read New Energy World.
Read our Guide to Hydrogen to see what role it could play in the future of transport.
0.0%
of new car registrations in the UK were electric vehicles by the end of 2024 (Zapmap)
0
electric vehicle charging points as of August 2025 across the UK (Zapmap)
0.0%
was the proportion of renewable fuels used for transport fuel in the UK in 2023 (Department of Transport)
0%
of UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 came from domestic transport (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
New Energy World stories
Global CCS pipeline reaches 832 projects, report finds
27th October 2026
The organisation’s Global Status of CCS 2026 report found that 113 commercial CCS facilities were operational worldwide as of 31 July 2026, with a fur...
Low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia projects advance across Europe
13th October 2026
The UK Ammonia Alliance (UKAA) has published a roadmap setting out how the UK could develop a low-carbon ammonia sector, including restarting domestic...
EU SAF supply exceeds 2025 target, report finds
6th October 2026
The annual report, which covers the first year of compliance with the regulation, found that SAF accounted for 2.8% of aviation fuel supplied at EU ai...
Premier Energies launches India’s largest solar cell plant
6th October 2026
Premier Energies has begun trial production at its N-type TOPCon G12R solar cell manufacturing facility in Naidupeta. The company said the 101-acre fa...
High energy prices go under the microscope in UK
6th October 2026
She went on to say: ‘Bills are not high because of net zero. They are high because Britain has left itself exposed. Exposed to global fossil fuel mark...
Technical guidance publications
EI 3598
Microbiological impact studies relating to the feasibility assessment of hydrogen and carbon dioxide subsurface storage
October 2026
The integrated and responsible use of subsurface technologies can play a crucial role in the global effort to combat climate change and achieve net ze...
EI 3499
Research report: Application of life cycle assessment methodology to the understanding of the energy balance and efficiency of hydrogen derivative value chain building blocks
July 2026
This research report builds on the Energy Institute’s earlier publication, Research report: Application of life cycle assessment methodology to the un...
EI 3638
Vehicle future technology equipment in accordance with EU General Safety Regulations (GSR)
July 2026
In December 2019, the EU officially published the new General Safety Regulation (GSR), Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, amending the European Whole Vehicle ...
EI 3609
Guidance for management of change when repurposing existing natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen
February 2026
As the energy sector transitions toward net zero, repurposing existing natural gas infrastructure to safely transport hydrogen and hydrogen–natural ga...
EI 3589
Good plant design for CO2 stream impurity measurement
May 2025
As carbon capture and storage (CCS) moves from concept to large-scale deployment, ensuring the safe, efficient, and commercially viable operation of C...