Government publishes King Review interim report
Tue 09 October 2007
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The Government has published the interim analytical report of the King Review on de-carbonising road transport. The Review, which was issued alongside the Pre-Budget Report, says that vehicle technology exists that can deliver CO2 reductions of 30% compared with current equivalent models and that these could be standard within 5-10 years.
The King Review sets out the environmental challenge for road transport and looks at the scope for emissions savings from more efficient vehicle technologies, cleaner fuels and smart consumer choices.
Its initial findings are that:
* Urgent progress is needed from road transport to help meet emission cuts for the developed world of 60-80 per cent by 2050 outlined in the Stern Review.
* At low cost and by 2030, per-kilometre emissions could be reduced by 50 per cent - equivalent to a 30 per cent reduction in the absolute level of emissions (taking into account traffic growth). These significant reductions in CO2 from road transport are achievable in the short term through progress on fuels, bringing new technologies to market and smart consumer choices such as buying a low-carbon vehicle.
* Almost complete de-carbonisation of road transport is a realistic long-term objective, through electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles. This will require major technological breakthroughs as well as substantial progress towards decarbonising the power sector.
* Fuels must be considered on the basis of their life-cycle CO2 emissions. Biofuels can occupy a segment of the UK fuel market but care must be taken not to expand demand too quickly, before crop breakthroughs and robust environmental safeguards are in place.
Professor Julia King said:
‘Within ten years we could be driving equivalent cars to those we choose today, but emitting 30 per cent less CO2 per kilometre. The technology is available. The urgent challenge for the short term is to develop a strong and rapidly growing market for low emissions cars.’
The King Review was launched by the Chancellor at Budget 2007, to examine the vehicle and fuel technologies which could help to decarbonise road transport, particularly cars, over the next 25 years. The Review is led by Professor Julia King, working with Sir Nicholas Stern
The next stage of the Review will develop recommendations on how Government can play a role in de-carbonising transport, reporting in early 2008.
To download the interim report, click on the adjacent link.
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