Energy, Mobility

Energy and mobility are key to the European economy. However, activities related to these sectors account for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU: 54 % from the energy sector and 24 % from transport (2016 figures). Decarbonising these sectors and decoupling their economic growth from environmental impacts are the central focus of the EU’s long-term strategy. It is imperative for Europe to have a leading role in the global market in these sectors.

Energy and mobility are closely interlinked and face major common challenges. One example can be found in the research and innovation initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of hydrogen generation and increasing battery capacity. Another example of this relationship can be found in innovative cities: it is essential that both sectors work together to make urban transport and energy systems more efficient and cleaner, improving the quality of life in cities and communities.

Energy and mobility: 2021-2027 objectives

If we analyse this more in detail, we can identify major objectives in this area, such as the search for cross-sectoral solutions for decarbonisation; for example, with batteries, to build a competitive and sustainable value chain in Europe; as well as with hydrogen or fuel cells.

In the energy field, work is being done to create sustainable infrastructures, services and systems for intelligent and sustainable communities and cities. The development of a cost-effective, zero-GHG energy system focused on renewable energies and flexible, zero-GHG-emission, citizen-centred energy systems and grids, and the search for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) solutions for the energy sector and energy-intensive industries are also in progress. Storage is a major concern for the EU and all the potential solutions for the energy transition require better leveraging of public and private investments.

In October 2020, the European Commission adopted the State of the Energy Union 2020 Report, which focuses on different aspects of the EU’s energy policy to achieve the 2030 objectives.

In the transport sector, the big challenge is to develop low-carbon and competitive transport solutions. This affects the automobile sector, in which work is already underway to create low- or zero-emission vehicles; or the railway sector, which is on its way to decarbonisation, automation and digitisation. Water transport is undergoing another major revolution following the global agreement to reduce total GHG emissions from maritime transport by at least 50% by 2050.