In Belgium, the transport sector is the one that emits the most greenhouse gases. On a global scale, freight transport alone is responsible for 30 to 40% of CO2 emissions from the transport sector (boat, plane and truck combined). The sector is heavily dependent on fossil fuels and contributes significantly to the phenomenon of climate change. In Belgium and Wallonia, road transport (by truck) is largely responsible for CO2 emissions (between 80 and 85% according to the CNCD).
If transportation were a country, it would rank among the top 10 global emitters.
In Germany, to help decarbonize the sector, engineers from the Siemens Mobility team have been working for 10 years on what might be the truck of tomorrow: a truck that would run like a train, thanks to a catenary and that would operate 100% electricity.
The technology is not revolutionary since it has been used since the end of the 19th century for trains and trams. The highways of tomorrow might be equipped with this system, which would make the transport of goods by truck sector much less polluting.
Other European countries are interested in the system, including Belgium.
“In Flanders, there are areas where the air quality is bad. Around our cities, ports… And something is urgently needed.” explain to us Toon Wassenberg, mobility specialist at Siemens mobility Belgium.
If a country wishes to adopt the system, it will nevertheless have to pay between 2 and 3 million euros per developed kilometre. Even if this technology will not reduce traffic, it has in any case the merit of being turned towards a future that is more respectful of the environment.