Infrastructure is the biggest enabler – and barrier – for achieving decarbonisation, warns Logistics UK

While much progress has been made, there are still many questions and challenges on how to achieve net-zero efficiently, and Logistics UK is trying its best to become part of the solution.

“Infrastructure is one of the biggest enablers, and currently barriers, for achieving decarbonisation,” says Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director of Policy at Logistics UK.

“Industry is keen to play its role in transitioning to a green economy. However, to invest in alternatively fuelled vehicles, it must first be confident that sufficient infrastructure is in place to support those vehicles.” 

FIGURING IT OUT

Figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) highlight that up to October 2022, there were 34,637 public electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints across the UK. As well as falling woefully short of the 300,000 target set by DfT for 2030, these figures do not account for how many of these existing chargers – and those yet to be installed – are suitable for commercial vehicles.

“Logistics UK has consistently highlighted the need for public EV chargepoints to have larger parking bays with increased headroom, longer reach cables and rapid charging facilities to accommodate commercial vehicles,” continues Gardner. “And we’ll continue to press DfT and local authorities for this.”.

“Additionally, Logistics UK has called for a fair and equitable approach to depot charging funding; members have reported costs of over £1 million to upgrade depot power supplies to support electric vehicle charging and it was therefore disappointing to note this was not included within the spring budget.”

Total vehicle operating costs rose 12.6% from October 2021 to October 2022, and along with a rise in inflation and reduction in energy support, industry cannot bear the full costs of decarbonisation alone.

GETTING HEAVY

There is an even more distinct shortage of infrastructure surrounding Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). While battery electric is being adopted among Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), there is a lack of certainty regarding commercially viable alternatives for HGVs.

“As highlighted by Logistics UK at a parliamentary roundtable,” says Gardner, “Low Carbon Fuels (LCFs) have the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%, without the need for substantial vehicle modifications.

“However, while the benefits are clear, the high costs of these alternative fuels and the lack of infrastructure are currently significant barriers to uptake.”  

ACHIEVABLE ROADMAP

While industry is best placed to identify the most efficient alternative fuel solutions, it needs confidence that infrastructure – such as LNG or hydrogen refuelling stations – will be developed and available before it can justify investing in those alternatives.

“Currently, options are very limited,” reports Gardner, “and in the case of hydrogen, SMMT has highlighted there is not a single HGV-dedicated hydrogen filling point in Britain. A significant infrastructure network is needed to support the vast logistics system that supplies all sectors of the UK’s economy with the goods it needs.”

As a result, Logistics UK has been pressing government for an achievable roadmap with clear timescales that reflect targets such as the phase out of sales of new, non-zero emission HGVs (less than or equal to 26 tonnes) from 2035 and the 2040 deadline where all new HGVs sold in the UK must be zero emission.

COMBINED EFFORT

Industry is fully engaged with the challenge to decarbonise and is working together to ensure it does everything possible to meet government targets.

However, despite participating in trials, undertaking the additional financial burdens of investing in greener technologies, sharing knowledge and experiences across businesses and sectors, and reviewing opportunities for modal shift, solutions will not happen overnight, nor can they be supported by industry alone.

“It's crucial that in addition to setting targets, government continues to work proactively with industry to ensure they are achievable,” says Gardner. “They must be prepared to match the sector’s willingness to invest in the vehicles, with their own willingness to provide the public infrastructure needed to ensure the supply chains remain moving.”

*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns/better-infrastructure

Join the debate on decarbonisation at Logistics UK’s Future Logistics Conference, to be held at ITT Hub at Farnborough International on 10 and 11 May. To find out more about the event, and book your free ticket, please visit: https://logistics.org.uk/events/currently-live/itt-hub  

Published On: 27/04/2023 16:00:00

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