Decarbonising transport | National Grid Group

Decarbonising transport

In 2020, Digest of UK Energy Statistics showed that transport continues to be the highest emitters of greenhouse gases in the UK, accounting for more than a quarter of all carbon emissions in the UK.

As an electricity network owner, National Grid will play a crucial role in enabling transport to decarbonise and help the UK deliver its net zero carbon emissions target by 2050.

Our role in transport decarbonisation

As the owner and operator of the transmission network, National Grid is poised to facilitate and help drive the transition to cleaner transport in the UK by bringing the right people together, to have the right conversations and shape future solutions.

All modes of transport will need to decarbonise, no matter the scale and complexity. We are confident that we can make a difference, but huge changes are needed and fast to enable the transition to clean transport. Significant energy infrastructure is required connecting transport hubs, managing the supply and demand (electricity system operator) and supporting alternative fuels, e.g. hydrogen

Read our summary of what we’ve been up to in the transport decarbonisation space across our UK and US businesses.

Download the summary

Government plans, commitments and strategies

On 14 July 2021, the UK Government published its Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP). The plan sets out Government’s decarbonisation ambitions and commitments for all transport sectors (cars, vans, HGVs, buses, rail, maritime and aviation). We acknowledge that this is the beginning of a complex process to deliver the policy and infrastructure needed to enable this transition.

Government also released the Hydrogen Strategy for the UK on 17 August 2021, which explores the critical role that hydrogen will play in the UK’s transition to net zero.

To achieve net zero by 2050, all modes of transport must decarbonise. Grab a coffee and take a moment or two to familiarise yourself with our response to the Governments consultation for zero-emission vehicles.

Download hydrogen strategy

April 2022: Low carbon fuel strategy – consultation response

We are here to support the decarbonisation of all modes of transport, regardless of technology. Find out more in our April 2022 consultation response to the Governments call for evidence on its low carbon fuels strategy.

Download consultation response

Cars and vans

Buses and coaches

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)

Maritime

Aviation

Rail

FAQs

Can the Grid cope?

As the journey towards mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) speeds up, it’s vital that there’s enough clean energy to power this transport revolution. Our Transport Decarbonisation Director, Graeme Cooper, has long championed the adoption of EVs and is confident the grid can support the extra demand for electricity this transition will create. He says: There is definitely enough energy and the grid can cope easily.

“The growth in renewable energy means this is not static and smart metering will make this more efficient. For example, the growth in wind power from the extra offshore wind farms being developed will adequately meet the future demand for electrifying transport – an extra 100 terrawatt hours (TWh) from our current 300 TWh consumed. Preparations have been underway for a while, as we’ve been discussing how best we can work towards the green transport changeover with government, electricity distribution companies, who transport the energy from the grid to homes and businesses, service station operators and charge point providers for over two years."

What fuels and technology will be used in the transition to clean transport?

We are here to support all solutions, regardless of technology and fuel. We are continuing to promote the need to accelerate technology trials across all transport sectors, in order to provide much needed clarity to stakeholders.

What advice can National Grid give me in regards to next steps to take within my sector?

If you are exploring your options for decarbonising your fleet, firstly it’s important to understand your charging / refuelling requirements. You will need to understand:

how many vehicles require a connection – this may include an array of vehicles
the type of charging / refuelling you require – rapid or slow that can take place overnight
where you require charging / refuelling facilities – is this at a depot or could a shared charging solution be used?

We are uniquely positioned in the energy sector; we work alongside the local distribution network operators and councils and, by having an initial conversation with us, we can come up with the right solution for your needs. You can contact our Decarbonisation of Transport team by emailing [email protected].

How are we decarbonising our own fleet?

We’re advancing our commitment to decarbonisation and the future of clean transportation by joining the EV100 initiative. Find out more about how we are decarbonising our fleet.

Where can I hear other common myths get busted?

By the 2030s new petrol and diesel car sales will be banned, so the number of electric vehicles (EVs) will need to grow even faster than today.

However, in our discussions with many people about EVs, there is still work to do to bust some of the many myths out there. So together with Octopus Energy, we asked Arup to look into their whole Life Cycle from before, during and after you get an EV, including what it means for the energy system.

This report, Full Charge – Electric Vehicles and a Decarbonised Future, sets out the facts and the progress that has been and is still being made across costs of running an EV, charging infrastructure and their environmental impact.

The future for EVs is positive and we hope this report helps bust some of those myths for you!

Download the report

You can also check out Top Gear’s interview with our Transport Decarbonisation Director, Graeme Cooper.