Piesārņojums no CO1

The role of diesel engines in freight transport until 2030 and after

The European Union (EU) this summer has published even more ambitious plans to fight against climate change (Fit for 55), with the aim of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030. The new plans set stricter CO2 emission standards for cars and vans, while heavy goods vehicles are subject to a previously set target of a 30% reduction by 2030. European Green Deal is putting the transport sector under pressure, but it is still unclear how  zero-emission trucks of tomorrow will be powered.

Heavy goods vehicles are the main mode of freight transport in Europe and account for around one third of the global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. This is why the day-to-day targets set by the Green Deal are becoming an increasing challenge for heavy transport manufacturers and companies that have built strong supply chains and depend on the transport of goods and raw materials.

The problem of road transport modal shift is growing exponentially in the freight transport segment, which is characterised by high vehicle weights combined with long driving distances.

Alternative technologies that could reduce the environmental impact of freight transport are being developed worldwide, but currently have high costs, low lifetime and inadequate refuelling infrastructure. The industry is very patient, but emissions need to be controlled now.

In recent years diesel engine technology has evolved considerably to limit air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Modern diesel engines with emission control systems combine significant fuel efficiency and near-zero nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, making them one of the most cost-effective solutions for reducing transport emissions at a time when alternative technologies for freight transport are still in their infancy. Outside Europe and in developing countries, the role of diesel engines with emission control systems is expected to play a significant role in its economic viability and in limiting air pollution for even longer.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is now considered one of the most effective emission control systems to meet emission standards and requirements and to prevent the harmful effects of pollutants on the environment and human health. Originally used only in stationary power plants and industrial installations, SCR systems are now also widely used in diesel engines, from heavy trucks and cars to locomotives and ships. SCR is powered by AdBlue®, a diesel exhaust aftertreatment fluid that significantly reduces harmful emissions from car exhausts into the environment by neutralising around 98% of the NOx produced by diesel engines into harmless nitrogen and water vapour.

CrossChem has produced more than one billion litres of AdBlue® during its operation since 2007. As part of our commitment to sustainable transport, we estimate that our AdBlue® exhaust aftertreatment fluid neutralises 195 grams of NOx per 100 km – helping to neutralise a total of 390,000 tonnes of nitrogen oxides worldwide, supporting the European Green Deal targets, while other cost-effective fuel alternatives for freight transport are underdeveloped.

This article was originally published in ir.lv and has been translated from latvian.

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