University of Sheffield researchers to study barriers to low carbon transport

Researchers from the Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield will study how to remove barriers to low carbon transport in the UK.

The two initiatives, which are part of the Decarbonising Transport Network+, will see researchers from the Energy Institute focus on developing new, low-carbon liquid fuels as well as electric and hybrid aircraft technologies that are crucial to the future of the aviation industry.

The first project will see researchers from the Energy Institute take part in DecarboN8, which is working closely with industry and government to design solutions that can help to decarbonise the transport industry.

With a focus on surface transport, the project is looking to answer questions on how different places can be rapidly switched to low carbon transport systems and how this transformation can be managed.

The second project will look at cutting emissions from the aviation sector, particularly medium to long haul flights which account for 97% of the UK’s aviation emissions and require a low carbon liquid fuel to decarbonise.

Working as part of the network on a project named NewJet Network+, University of Sheffield researchers will explore the barriers that face the adoption of low carbon, synthetic fuel and the benefits that its adoption enables for commercial aviation beyond a reduction in CO2.

Dr Danielle Densley Tingley from the University’s Urban Flows Observatory and Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, said: ‘The network is a really exciting opportunity to bring together academia and industry to tackle the challenge of decarbonising transport.

‘Key to our approach will be considering the whole life impact of different solutions — which will include emissions from the material and maintenance demands of different infrastructure solutions as well as the direct emissions from operation.’

In related news, Heathrow Airport recently called on UN’s aviation body ICAO to set targets for the use of sustainable fuels in aviation and for the government to invest some of the £4bn annual revenue raised from Air Passenger Duty to scale-up its production.

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