Energy infrastructure key to greening fleets
Feature
As the UK logistics sector works towards net zero, energy infrastructure has emerged as a critical enabler of progress. Lamech Solomon, Head of Decarbonisation Policy at Logistics UK, outlines why coordinated planning, priority grid access and a national energy roadmap are essential to support the sector's shift to electrified operations
Against the backdrop of legally binding carbon reduction targets, that requires the UK to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 81% of 1990 levels by 2035 and achieve net zero by 2050, the logistics sector is already taking strides to decarbonise its operations. However, domestic transport still remains the biggest source of GHG emissions in the UK, accounting for around 29% in 2023 so the logistics sector is under no illusion of the task ahead as it seeks ways to move away from fossil fuels and reduce its contribution to UK emissions.
With a significant proportion of commercial vehicles expected to transition to battery electric, energy use across the logistics sector will change significantly over the next three decades.
Key to the success of this transition is knowing where, when and how much electricity is going to be required when considering placement of new energy infrastructure.
As a member of the Department for Transport's Freight Energy Forum, Logistics UK recently published Exploring Current and Future Energy Demand from Road Freight. This in-depth report investigates the total current and future energy demand required from road freight and makes it clear that planning and collaboration between the logistics and energy sectors is essential for the transition to succeed.
Analysing petrol and diesel use, the report shows how, in 2021, UK road freight used energy equivalent to 32 TWh (terawatt hours). Considering the combined annual electricity consumption of Scotland and Wales is 35.8 TWh, it illustrates the levels of electricity required and why coordination is essential.
A cross-departmental strategy is needed to align grid, energy and vehicle transition timelines ensuring freight is integrated into national energy planning and, for this reason, Logistics UK is calling for a national logistics energy infrastructure roadmap.
The report also shows the vast majority of transport operators envisage that the charging of HGVs (76.7%) and logistics vans (79.1%) will take place at depots or operating sites and Logistics UK is also campaigning for priority grid access for freight decarbonisation. Freight hubs and depot facilities need to be prioritised for grid connections, especially in urban freight zones and industrial clusters. Logistics companies are already facing delays in accessing timely and cost effective grid connections to their depots, which is having an impact on the sector's ability to transition.
However, a comprehensive public charging network to support en-route or overnight charging is still essential.
Respondents identified the need for charging infrastructure in remote areas in addition to main road arteries, service stations and ports - something that the logistics sector hopes will develop faster now ports are recognised as 'foundational' in the Industrial Strategy and eligible for faster grid connections and reduced electricity costs.
Commercial viability will always be the main driver for businesses and decarbonisation needs a multi-faceted solution.
Logistics UK continually urges policymakers not to overlook the role of low carbon fuels such as HVO and biomethane in a fair and economically pragmatic transition to net zero.
These alternatives can deliver immediate greenhouse gas reductions while the infrastructure for electrification at scale is rolled out over the medium to long term.