Abstract:

The transport sector makes up 30% of global final energy consumption and has the lowest renewable energy share of any sector. This working paper draws on IRENA’s engagement with these experts and expands on the transport findings published in IRENA’s report REmap: Roadmap for a Renewable Energy Future, 2016 Edition. REmap is a global renewable energy roadmap that explores the possibility of significantly increasing the share of renewables in the global energy system by 2030. The paper also proposes an action agenda that can contribute to increasing renewable energy use and the sustainability of the transport sector. This paper identifies three areas that require action in order to realize the REmap findings and provides ten suggestions for policy makers and other relevant stakeholders. The three action areas are: (1) Increase electric mobility in combination with renewable electricity generation and apply a system strategies approach that interlinks energy sectors. (2) Develop sustainable and affordable advanced biofuel pathways for all transport modes including non-car modes such as freight, aviation and shipping.  (3) Explore emerging technology solutions and innovation for emerging transport modes such as aviation, shipping and military applications.