Decarbonizing the Greek road transport sector using alternative technologies and fuels

In this paper, a number of scenarios to decarbonize the Greek road transport sector are modeled using the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) software for a variety of alternative technologies and fuels. Both light duty and heavy duty vehicles are considered. The scenario analysis time span covers years 2010-2050 with 2010 as the baseline year. The reference scenario includes all binding targets set out by the European Union and the Greek legislation regarding the development of renewable energies and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. At present transportation is dominated by internal combustion engines. Two alternative scenarios to the reference are presented. For all scenarios, the vehicle technologies and fuels proposed are the hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, biofuels and gas engine vehicles. The analysis has shown that the Greek road transport sector can be decarbonized through various combinations of alternative technologies and fuels. Selecting specific options of fuels for year 2050 would be characterized with great uncertainty. This study proposes an increased penetration of biofuels, electric vehicles and gas engine vehicles. For the best alternative scenario as compared to the reference scenario, energy consumption is reduced from 5784 ktoe down to 4299 ktoe or by 26% for all vehicle stock, while CO2 emissions are reduced from 16,995 ktons CO2 down to 10,531 ktons CO2 or by 38%.