Michelle Gardner, deputy director of policy at Logistics UK comments: “While government’s response did note it would publish a Low Carbon Fuels (LCFs) Strategy, something Logistics UK has been consistently calling for, this strategy is now over six months late.
“Logistics businesses are seeking urgent clarity on how widely government will support the use of LCFs across all modes of transport, and what mechanisms will be deployed to address the cost, supply and infrastructure challenges for LCFs in the short and long-term.”
In its response, government states that the strategy will set out a vision for the deployment of LCFs across transport modes up to 2050 and that its goal is zero exhaust emissions, as opposed to an alternative approach to net zero looking at the whole energy lifecycle.
Questions need answering
Ms Gardner continues: “Government’s response creates many questions surrounding the role of LFCs in decarbonisation, whether they will be properly backed as a transitional technology and if they will have a long-term future.
“In addition, with government placing significant emphasis on the use of battery electric technology and zero tailpipe emissions for road transport, it is essential that the challenges currently faced by the sector – in relation to private and public charging infrastructure, as well as the increased costs of acquisition – are urgently addressed.
“It is also vital that the Zero Emission Road Freight demonstrator is progressed as soon as possible.”
Decarbonisation is a key priority across all sectors of industry and Logistics UK will continue to engage with members and government throughout the transition to a greener economy, including via its upcoming parliamentary roundtable to be hosted by Greg Smith MP.