CLEARER

Abstract:

In line with the Paris Agreement a CO2‐neutral transport sector is targeted by 2050. In this connection the questions come up how and at which cost a CO2‐neutral freight transport is possible until 2050 and which powertrain technologies can contribute to what extent.
Technological developments for CO2 reduction in freight traffic are ready to start or already exist. Main technologies are powertrains with electric engines powered by electric energy from batteries respectively overhead wire or by hydrogen as well as powertrains powered by e‐fuels or bio‐methane. In addition to this, organisational developments in freight traffic are ready to start or already exist. These technologies (supply side) have different expected development paths, possibilities and framework conditions for the implementation and the use, which will be analysed and presented within CLEARER.
These technologies are opposed by different freight transport sectors (demand side). The sectors have different transport specific needs characterised by different distances, commodities and bundling necessities as well as possibilities. The project will identify the different transport sectors and their needs regarding transport (use cases).
CLEARER will assign the identified technologies to the different freight transport sectors considering advantages and disadvantages of the technologies and the needs of the sectors. Based on the CO2‐reduction potentials of different freight transport sectors (depending of their (future) demands) it is possible to identify those technologies that support these freight sectors which show the highest CO2‐reduction potentials.
In addition to this, the technology options will be presented on a timeline for future development. This information will be complemented by further details on investment and operation costs and the comparison with current cost structures. This information enables the public authorities to develop an appropriate funding scheme (for research and development as well as for investments and operation) depending on
 · the possible contribution of the different technologies to CO2‐reduction,
 · the timeline of implementation of different technologies with respect to the CO2‐reduction path (see Austrian climate strategy) and
 · the additional investment and operation costs compared to current used technologies.
The project will be accompanied by various relevant stakeholders by means of appropriate formats (such as guided personal interviews and workshops).