A whole spectrum of alternative fuels, with applications in one or more modes of transport, is currently being developed, offering technological solutions to reduce emissions in the transport sector. From Generation II biofuels, to blue, turquoise or green hydrogen, and synthetic fuels, all will be used to power vehicles.
It remains to be seen to what extent they will be used in Romania and how we can stimulate their production. What is certain is that the authorities, the private sector and civil society in Romania need to come together to start building the new transport road. To this end, at the conference organized by Concordia Employers' Confederation, „Mission 2030 - Romania's Road to Green Transportation”, discussions have been launched.
The event also saw the launch of an extensive survey (also available here: futuretransport.ro), prepared by Deloitte and E3M, which proposes a series of policies and measures to secure the future of green transport.
But the first step is communicating with the authorities. Then, of course, we need to see how we secure sources of funding for projects.
Sorin Elisei, Deloitte's Energy and Sustainability Director, listed some of the measures our country needs.
Study “The future of transport” is a real plan to decarbonize this sector in Romania, he believes Mihnea Cătuți, Director of Research EPG. The analysis is comprehensive, for each transport segment, and includes solutions to reduce emissions.
Joining the big European family comes with benefits, but also with very clear obligations that we need to point out. These include the green component, that of decarbonization, and transportation plays a very important role. 2030 is almost here, and even though we have 7 and a half years to go, if we don't start moving, it will pass without us getting in line. What could we start with? With the energy mix.
The importance of the energy mix is crucial for the future of transportation, because there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It's true that electromobility can be a common denominator, but a lot of support is needed here, first and foremost to create the necessary infrastructure, he believes Radu Căprău, First vice-president of the Employers' Confederation Concordia.
In terms of decarbonization, Romania can reach its targets, but it depends on many factors, including the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign on the correct use of resources, says Oana Ozmen, member of the Industry and Services Committee of the Chamber of Deputies.
Of course, the role that public authorities should also play in achieving the objectives for a tGreen transport must be a complex one. First, they need to adapt legislation to keep pace with developments. Next, they should take the business environment as an example and be more open to innovation, he believes Florin Alexe, Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies.
But when we talk about green energy and green transport, first we should talk about public transport, but, unfortunately, it doesn't really exist here. But the NRRP gives us a chance. Moving on to private means of transport, it is for nothing that people have understood that it is advisable to switch to electric cars, because the current infrastructure is not up to the transformation. Bende Sandor, chair of the Chamber of Deputies' Industry and Services Committee, outlined a number of projects the authorities are considering to support green transport.
But there is a problem here, because if state support measures are not integrated, they could be doomed to failure, he believes Livia Stan, Director Corporate Affairs E.ON Romania.
For their part, the authorities are aware that achieving green transport requires a joint effort and assure us that they are doing all they can to bring us in line.
Objectives FitFor55 are already very topical for the Romanian Government, said the Environment Minister, Marcel Boloș, present at the launch event of the study “The future of transportation”, and over €7.8 billion has been earmarked for investment in the sector.
But no matter what position we are in, we must make all decisions with one question in mind: “What can I do to reduce the emissions I produce?”, says the energy expert, Corina Murafa. Clearly, we need clear regulation in this respect, but we also need a faster pace of investment, because the pace of change is much faster than it was 10 or 20 years ago.
One thing is certain: Green transport is still a myth, but market players hope to see concrete steps in this direction in the near future.
