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.
Learn more about transport by exploring our Energy Insights.
For the latest news and articles on the transport sector read New Energy World.
View our dedicated Collection on Road Fuels.
0.0 %
of new car registrations in the UK were electric vehicles by the end of 2023 (Zapmap)
0
electric vehicle charging points as of September 2024 across the UK (Zapmap)
0.0 %
was the proportion of renewable fuel used for transport fuel in the UK in 2022 (Department of Transport)
0.0 %
of UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 came from domestic transport (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
What's new?
EU 2040 emissions reduction target holds its line on climate, but climate groups warn that loopholes threaten its integrity
9th July 2025
Announcing its new proposal on 2 July, the EC reported that the EU is already ‘well on track’ to meet its existing legally binding goal of reducing ne...
Longship CCS enters operation as Norwegian government gives green light to expansion of Northern Lights’ carbon storage capacity
25th June 2025
Longship is described as Norway’s largest climate investment ever and also Europe’s first complete CCS value chain. The project includes the capture o...
Chinese carmakers drive global EV sales rise, say BNEF and ICCT
25th June 2025
BloombergNEF’s annual Electric Vehicle Outlook (EVO) expects sales of battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles to grow 25% this year ...
Voltage missteps triggered the Iberian power outage, says Spanish government – but little consensus exists on who is responsible
25th June 2025
Presenting the incident report to Spain’s Council of Ministers last week, Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge Sara Aagese...
UK government confirms £13.2bn Warm Homes Plan amid criticism of retrofit policy failures
18th June 2025
The £13.2bn of funding for the Warm Homes Plan was originally promised as part of the Labour government’s manifesto. Reeves confirmed the full funding...
Events and training
Human Factors Foundation - October 2025
6th October 2025 - 10th October 2025
This 5-day course delivers a comprehensive introduction into human factors for non-specialists. It provides a practical, engaging and interactive back...
Delivering Safety Culture Change using the Hearts and Minds Toolkit - October 2025
14th October 2025 - 16th October 2025
This 3-day interactive classroom course with certificate, will teach delegates the fundamentals of improving safety culture using the award-winning He...
Reservoir Microbiology Forum (RMF)
19th November 2025 - 20th November 2025
Abstract deadline extended - submit your entry by 18 July for the opportunity to present at this event.Submit entryThe RMF is an excellent multi-disci...
Technical guidance publications
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...
EI 1535 Minimum criteria to determine acceptability of additives for use in multi-product pipelines co-transporting jet fuel
November 2024
The testing outlined in this publication is intended to provide risk management information for use in the assessment of new additives prior to their ...
EI 3560
Research report: Global activities in hydrogen development
June 2024
This report covers various developmental activities across the hydrogen value chain, encompassing production, transportation/distribution, storage, an...
EI 3564
Guidance on green and low carbon hydrogen production: plant design, construction, operation and maintenance, co-location and other considerations
June 2024
‘Hydrogen economy’ is an umbrella term used to describe the role that hydrogen plays in the broader economy, including as a fuel, as an energy carrier...
EI 3529
Guidance for UK hydrogen safety case development onshore and offshore
May 2023
The good practice guidance was commissioned by the EI’s Safety Case Working Group for operators who wish to produce, transport, and store hydrogen or ...