Cutting Emissions: How Highways and Harbours Enhance Air Quality

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In an insightful discussion, William Bonnell and Robin Koerner, both esteemed Transport Systems Engineers at Energy Systems Catapult, delve into the pressing issue of air pollution and the transformative work underway in the highways and harbours sectors aimed at decarbonising fleets and ports. Their insights shed light on the significant impact these efforts are having on public health and the environment.

Improving air quality isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s a crucial step towards enhancing the overall health of the UK population. Despite our growing understanding of the detrimental effects of air pollution, the urgency to accelerate efforts in this area cannot be overstated. The statistics are alarming: research indicates that adhering to existing air pollution regulations could prevent a staggering 6,751 premature deaths by 2030. In 2022, over 95% of residential addresses in the UK exceeded the World Health Organisation’s recommended limits for key pollutants. The primary culprits include nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and two grades of particulate matter: PM10 and PM2.5, which consist of tiny particles measuring 10 and 2.5 micrometres in diameter, respectively. Additionally, nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute significantly to the air pollution crisis.

Encouragingly, air pollution emissions have been on a downward trajectory in recent decades, thanks in part to stringent regulations on vehicle emissions and initiatives like emission charges. However, the question remains: how can we accelerate this progress to protect lives and foster a cleaner environment?

The assessment of air quality provides a unique lens through which we can examine the ongoing efforts to innovate towards Net Zero energy. Tackling air pollution necessitates innovative thinking, particularly when addressing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors such as freight and maritime transport.

Road Freight: A Major Contributor to Air Pollution

It is well known that road freight and transportation are significant contributors to air pollution in the UK. In 2021, burning fuel, particularly diesel, in road vehicles was responsible for nearly one-third of all UK NOx emissions. Moreover, road freight accounted for a considerable portion of particulate matter pollution, contributing 14% of PM2.5 and 12% of PM10 emissions. While some particulate matter originates from vehicle engines, a substantial amount arises from the wear and tear of brake pads and tyres.

To enhance air quality, we must promote the production and utilisation of low-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Despite only accounting for 6% of total miles driven, HGVs were responsible for producing 21kT of NOx pollution in 2021, representing roughly 11% of total road transport emissions. This statistic is particularly concerning given that HGVs are more polluting on a per-mile basis than smaller vehicles. In terms of CO2 emissions, HGVs constitute 20% of total road transport emissions, underscoring the need for a significant transition.

While smaller cars and vans produce greater overall air pollution due to their larger numbers, many of these journeys could be replaced with personal zero-emission vehicles, active travel options such as walking or cycling, or improved public transport. However, replacing journeys made by HGVs with viable alternatives proves to be more complex, necessitating a transition from traditional diesel trucks to electric HGVs (eHGVs) or hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, led by Voltempo and including key industry players such as Energy Systems Catapult, Kuehne+Nagel (UK) Limited, Wincanton Group Limited, and Maritime Transport Limited, is at the forefront of this transition. The project aims to demonstrate the capabilities of these low-emission HGVs by introducing 100 electric HGV 4×2 and 6×2 tractor units, alongside establishing 32 new charging locations equipped with megawatt-charging capacity from the outset.

Energy Systems Catapult will also undertake national-scale modelling to explore how various scenarios may impact the HGV market and identify the necessary infrastructure to support this transition. The findings from this modelling, combined with the outcomes of the five-year trial, will provide a clear roadmap for shifting towards low-emission HGVs.

Achieving Net Zero is not merely an aspirational goal; it is an imperative for the health of our nation and the environment. Reducing emissions from freight transport will particularly benefit urban and suburban areas, which are often the most adversely affected by road transport air pollution. Projects like eFREIGHT 2030 inspire hope that we can significantly reduce air pollution and secure the clean air that every community deserves.

Maritime and Ports: Addressing Air Pollution

The maritime sector and ports are also substantial contributors to air pollution. In 2016, domestic shipping in the UK was responsible for 10% of the nation’s total NOx emissions, 2% of primary PM2.5 emissions, and 7% of SO2 emissions. These figures do not even account for emissions from international vessels visiting UK ports, indicating a broader impact on air quality.

Fortunately, the industry is undergoing significant changes aimed at reducing air pollution. In 2020, stricter global limits on the sulphur content of marine fuel were enacted, marking a pivotal step towards cleaner maritime operations. Major ports in England are now developing Air Quality Strategies to mitigate emissions from port activities, aligning with the overarching Clean Air Strategy that seeks to reduce emissions across ports and their connected waterways, including shore activities and visiting ships.

The UK government is also reviewing the potential expansion of Emission Control Areas (ECAs) in its waters, demonstrating a commitment to minimising the environmental and public health impacts of the maritime sector.

To effectively address these challenges, the Clean Air Strategy mandates larger English ports to develop Port Air Quality Strategies (PAQS). These strategies are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of air quality issues within ports and outline actionable measures to tackle emissions under the port’s jurisdiction. While port operators may not have direct control over emissions from all ships, particularly those governed by international standards, they can still implement strategies to mitigate their operational impacts. This may include optimising vehicle fleets or enhancing cargo handling efficiency.

Innovative projects, such as the Port of Aberdeen’s Shore Power Technologies—part of the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition—highlight the collaborative initiatives emerging from Energy Systems Catapult to address the air pollution crisis. The Decarbonisation Roadmap and Assessment Framework developed within this project underscore the importance of maintaining air quality, particularly in urban-centric ports like Aberdeen North Harbour. These efforts not only offer environmental benefits but also contribute social value by ensuring cleaner air for surrounding communities.

Linking Air Quality and Net Zero

Air quality and the pursuit of Net Zero are intrinsically linked; achieving one will facilitate progress towards the other. Improving air quality provides a compelling rationale for our work at Energy Systems Catapult. Initiatives like those mentioned above are designed to accelerate our journey to Net Zero, and if successful, they will also help reduce air pollution stemming from the transport sector.

As we navigate the challenges of air pollution and climate change, the commitment to achieving Net Zero must remain unwavering. The collaborative efforts within the transport sector, particularly in road freight and maritime operations, are vital steps towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future for all. With projects like eFREIGHT 2030 and the advancements in port operations, we can aspire to significantly reduce emissions and enhance air quality—ensuring a brighter, cleaner tomorrow for generations to come.

Image of authors courtesy of Energy Systems Catapult.