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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Transport Energy Demand
Transport is one of the largest energy-consuming sectors globally, accounting for approximately 30% of total world energy consumption. As our world becomes more connected, understanding how we use energy for moving people and goods has never been more important.
Key Definitions:
Transport consumes about 65% of global oil production, making it heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Road transport alone accounts for around 75% of transport energy use, while aviation uses about 11%, shipping 10% and rail approximately 2%. This distribution varies significantly between countries based on their development, geography and infrastructure.
Different transport modes have vastly different energy efficiencies. Rail is typically 3-5 times more energy-efficient than road transport per passenger-kilometre. Walking and cycling require minimal external energy input. Air travel is generally the most energy-intensive form of passenger transport per kilometre travelled.
Several key factors influence how much energy we use for transport:
As countries develop economically, transport energy demand typically increases. Higher incomes lead to more car ownership, longer commutes and increased freight movement. The relationship between GDP and transport energy use is strong but not fixed.
City design significantly impacts transport energy use. Compact cities with mixed land use require less energy for transport than sprawling cities with separated residential, commercial and industrial zones. Urban density is a key determinant of public transport viability.
Advances in vehicle technology can reduce energy demand through improved efficiency. Electric vehicles, hybrid engines and lightweight materials all contribute to lower energy consumption per kilometre travelled.
Road transport dominates global transport energy use. Private cars are particularly energy-intensive per passenger, especially when carrying single occupants. Buses are more efficient when well-utilised, while heavy goods vehicles are essential for freight but consume large amounts of diesel fuel.
Rail is one of the most energy-efficient forms of motorised transport. Electric trains are particularly efficient and can use renewable energy sources. High-speed rail requires more energy but can compete with short-haul flights in terms of efficiency.
Aviation is the most energy-intensive form of transport per passenger-kilometre, especially for short flights where the take-off phase consumes a large proportion of fuel. However, long-haul flights with high passenger loads can be relatively efficient compared to half-empty cars over the same distance.
Shipping is the most energy-efficient way to transport large volumes of goods over long distances. However, ships often use low-grade, high-sulphur fuels that cause significant pollution. Passenger ferries vary widely in efficiency depending on their design and passenger capacity.
Improving vehicle efficiency through better engines, aerodynamics and materials can significantly reduce energy demand. Electric vehicles are 2-3 times more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines. Hydrogen fuel cells offer another promising technology, especially for heavy transport.
Encouraging modal shift from cars to public transport, cycling, or walking can dramatically reduce energy use. Car-sharing schemes increase vehicle occupancy, while remote working reduces commuting needs. Eco-driving techniques can reduce fuel consumption by 5-10% with minimal investment.
Transit-oriented development focuses on creating high-density, mixed-use areas around public transport hubs. The "15-minute city" concept aims to provide all essential services within a short walk or cycle ride. Such approaches can reduce transport needs and energy demand substantially.
Governments can influence transport energy demand through fuel taxes, congestion charges and vehicle efficiency standards. Subsidies for public transport and investment in cycling infrastructure can encourage lower-energy transport choices. Low emission zones in cities can accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles.
Copenhagen, Denmark, has transformed itself into one of the world's most bicycle-friendly cities. Through consistent investment in cycling infrastructure since the 1970s, the city now has over 350km of segregated cycle lanes. About 62% of residents cycle to work or education daily, saving approximately 90,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Key strategies included:
The result is a city where cycling accounts for 28% of all journeys, compared to just 2% in the UK. This has reduced transport energy demand significantly while improving public health, reducing congestion and creating more liveable urban spaces.
Transport energy use causes several environmental problems:
Shenzhen has become the first major city worldwide to electrify its entire public bus fleet, with over 16,000 electric buses in operation. This transition, completed in 2017, has reduced the city's transport energy consumption and improved air quality dramatically.
The benefits include:
The project was supported by government subsidies and the local presence of BYD, one of the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturers. Shenzhen is now working to electrify its taxi fleet, showing how rapid transitions to lower-energy transport systems are possible with the right policies and investment.
Several emerging trends will shape future transport energy demand:
Understanding these trends is crucial for planning sustainable transport systems that minimise energy demand while meeting mobility needs.
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