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Decarbonization of transport: challenges and solutions
Reading 11 min
April 15, 2025
Summary
The decarbonization of transport aims to reduce the sector's greenhouse gas emissions by focusing on electrification, alternative fuels, and sustainable mobility. This decarbonization affects all modes of transport and involves public authorities, businesses, and citizens. In both France and Belgium, support and initiatives are available to support this transition. Decarbonization is an essential lever for achieving carbon neutrality, improving air quality, and building more resilient and inclusive mobility.
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INDEX
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What is transport decarbonisation?
Definition of transport decarbonisation
Transport decarbonisation refers to all actions aimed at reducing, or even eliminating, greenhouse gas emissions generated by the transport sector. It mainly involves decreasing the use of fossil fuels in favor of more sustainable solutions, such as electrification, alternative fuels, or soft mobility. The goal is to profoundly transform modes of transportation to reduce their climate impact and contribute to carbon neutrality by 2050.
Sectors involved
Transport decarbonisation concerns all modes of transportation, whether land-based, air, or maritime. The road sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, especially due to passenger cars, heavy goods vehicles, and light commercial vehicles. Air transport, although smaller in volume, has a significant climate impact per passenger and per kilometer traveled.
Maritime transport, which is essential for global trade, also generates substantial emissions. Rail transport, which is already largely electrified, remains the most carbon-efficient mode. Lastly, logistics and last-mile delivery play an increasing role in emissions linked to e-commerce and urban distribution. Each sector must therefore adapt its practices to reduce its carbon footprint.
Difference between decarbonisation and carbon neutrality
Decarbonisation and carbon neutrality are two complementary but distinct concepts. Decarbonisation refers to all actions implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), generated by a sector, activity, or territory. In the transport sector, this involves replacing fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency, or developing soft mobility.
Carbon neutrality, on the other hand, refers to a balance between emissions produced and those absorbed by natural carbon sinks (forests, soils, oceans) or artificial ones (carbon capture technologies). Achieving neutrality does not mean there are no emissions, but rather that they are fully offset.
Thus, decarbonisation is a concrete means of achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. It aims to reduce emissions at the source as much as possible, while neutrality considers the overall carbon balance. To meet climate challenges, it is therefore essential to combine both approaches: drastically reduce emissions through decarbonisation, then sustainably offset any remaining emissions.
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Why decarbonise the transport sector?
The transport sector is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly 30% of total emissions in France and across Europe. It still relies heavily on fossil fuels, particularly oil, making it a key lever in the ecological transition.
Decarbonising transport significantly reduces the overall carbon footprint, but also helps to lower air pollution, which is responsible for numerous respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It is also an economic issue: rising fuel prices and dependence on imports place a burden on the budgets of both individuals and businesses.
Finally, decarbonisation is a strategic priority for meeting national and international climate commitments, such as the Paris Agreement and the French National Low-Carbon Strategy. By taking action now, public and private stakeholders can anticipate future regulatory requirements and prepare for a more sustainable, more resilient form of mobility that meets the needs of tomorrow.
Decarbonization is an essential lever for achieving carbon neutrality, improving air quality and building more resilient and inclusive mobility.
Who are the key players in transport decarbonisation?
The role of public authorities
Public authorities are at the heart of decarbonisation strategies. They develop national and local climate policies, define emission reduction targets, and implement regulatory frameworks (low-emission zones, fleet greening obligations, etc.).
They also offer financial incentives to support the transition, such as eco-bonuses, vehicle conversion premiums, subsidies for the purchase of clean vehicles or the installation of charging infrastructure. Lastly, they play a role in raising awareness and planning by developing public transport networks and cycling infrastructure.
The role of businesses
Companies—especially those in the transport and logistics sectors—have a direct lever on their emissions. They can take action by upgrading their fleets to low-carbon solutions (electric, natural gas, hydrogen), optimising routes, or digitising operations.
They are also encouraged to implement employee mobility plans (carpooling, remote working, incentives for cycling). Moreover, an increasing number of businesses are required to integrate climate concerns into their CSR strategies, through carbon footprint assessments or non-financial reporting obligations.
The role of citizens
Citizens are directly involved in daily mobility choices. By changing their travel habits—using shared vehicles, cycling, public transport, or walking—they actively contribute to reducing emissions.
Their vehicle choices (new or used, internal combustion or electric) also influence the market and help drive demand toward more sustainable solutions. Additionally, citizens can take part in local initiatives, such as participatory mobility plans, advocacy groups for soft mobility, or collectives working towards more sustainable cities.
What are the solutions for decarbonising transport?
Reducing dependence on fossil fuels
Reducing fossil fuel dependence is a cornerstone of transport decarbonisation. Today, the sector still relies heavily on oil, especially for cars, trucks, planes, and ships. To limit CO₂ emissions, it is essential to replace these fuels with more sustainable alternatives.
Electrifying vehicles is one of the most widespread solutions, driven by the growth of the electric car market and the expansion of charging infrastructure. Other alternatives are emerging, such as green hydrogen for heavy or long-distance transport, as well as biofuels and synthetic fuels, which help reduce emissions without fully overhauling existing engines.
These technologies must be supported by a decarbonised energy mix to ensure that the electricity or hydrogen used is genuinely low-carbon. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels also enhances energy sovereignty, secures supply chains, and helps stabilise costs for users. This is a key step toward building more sustainable and resilient mobility.
Sustainable mobility and changing behaviours
Sustainable mobility is based on a profound shift in travel habits. Decarbonising the transport sector is not just about changing fuels; it also requires reducing reliance on private cars and promoting low-carbon alternatives.
Expanding public transport (buses, trams, trains) helps reduce emissions while meeting citizens’ mobility needs. Promoting carpooling, vehicle sharing, and remote working also contributes to lowering the number of vehicles on the road.
Active modes of transport, such as cycling and walking, are particularly well-suited to short urban trips. However, they require safe infrastructure and coherent urban planning policies to grow effectively.
Finally, rethinking urban design (planning, proximity to services) helps reduce travel distances and supports a lifestyle less dependent on cars.
Digitalisation and innovation
Digitalisation and innovation also play a key role in transport decarbonisation. Digital technologies help optimise journeys, reduce traffic congestion, and lower energy consumption.
Smart fleet management tools, for instance, assist businesses in planning efficient routes, reducing empty trips, and tracking the energy performance of their vehicles. For individuals, mobility apps make it easier to navigate cities by combining public transport, carpooling, cycling, or car-sharing options.
Innovation also includes the development of connected and autonomous vehicles, which could eventually enhance road safety and reduce overall consumption. In addition, data collection and analysis allow local authorities to better understand mobility needs and adapt infrastructure accordingly.
Finally, digital logistics services contribute to cleaner and faster deliveries, particularly in urban areas. By integrating technological innovation into mobility policies, the transition to more efficient, low-emission, and environmentally conscious transport systems can be accelerated.
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Objectives of Transport Decarbonisation
Transport decarbonisation is part of a broader ecological transition strategy. It aims to deeply transform the mobility system to make it more environmentally friendly, less energy-intensive, and more resilient. The objectives are numerous and address environmental, economic, and societal challenges:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the main contributors to global warming, particularly CO₂ from fossil fuel combustion.
Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with European commitments and the Paris Agreement.
Improve air quality by limiting pollution from road transport, which causes many chronic and respiratory illnesses.
Decrease energy dependence, especially regarding oil imports.
Promote more inclusive and accessible mobility by developing alternatives to private cars.
Stimulate innovation and competitiveness by supporting sustainable mobility industries.
Support regional transitions by tailoring solutions to both urban and rural contexts.
What support and steps exist for decarbonising transport in France?
Financial support
In France, several financial aids and schemes are available to help individuals, local authorities, and businesses decarbonise transport. The goal is to encourage the adoption of low-carbon solutions and ease the shift toward more sustainable mobility.
For individuals, financial incentives include the ecological bonus for purchasing electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, and the conversion bonus for replacing old combustion-engine vehicles. These aids are often cumulative and adjusted based on income.
Businesses can benefit from specific schemes such as ADEME’s “Tremplin” programme for the ecological transition or regional subsidies for fleet electrification and charging station installation. Technical and financial support is also offered for conducting a carbon footprint assessment and defining a mobility action plan.
For local authorities, funding supports the development of public transportation, cycling infrastructure, or sustainable urban logistics projects. These aids are key levers for accelerating the ecological transition of the transport sector in France.
Steps to take
Accessing these aids often starts with a greenhouse gas emissions assessment, which identifies the transport-related emission sources within a company or local authority.
This carbon footprint can be conducted in-house if skills are available or with the support of specialised partners such as D-Carbonize. The tool simplifies data collection (fuel consumption, distance travelled, types of vehicles, etc.) and provides a detailed analysis of the fleet’s or transport activities’ carbon footprint.
Based on this diagnosis, an appropriate reduction strategy can be structured, with clear and measurable actions: fleet renewal, employee mobility plans, telecommuting, logistics optimisation, etc. This action plan serves as a basis to unlock financial support, as most aid programmes (ADEME, regional authorities, etc.) require a minimum level of technical justification and quantified projections.
Finally, regular progress monitoring helps to highlight the efforts made, adjust the strategy when needed, and meet regulatory obligations related to CSR or non-financial reporting.
What actions and support exist for transport decarbonisation in Belgium?
In Belgium, transport decarbonisation is a priority embedded in both federal and regional climate policies. Each region—Wallonia, Flanders, and Brussels-Capital—offers its own action plans and financial support to promote sustainable mobility for individuals, businesses, and local authorities.
In Wallonia, companies can benefit from grants for purchasing electric vehicles or installing charging infrastructure. The region also supports company travel plans and promotes alternative transport modes through the “Wallonie Mobilité SPW” programme.
In Flanders, tax reductions are available for zero-emission vehicles, with favourable taxation for electric fleets. Support is also available for investments in charging or public transport infrastructure.
In Brussels, the “Good Move” strategy aims to reduce car use and promote cycling, public transport, and shared mobility. Brussels-based incentives include grants for cargo bikes, electric utility vehicles, or cleaner logistics solutions.
In addition, businesses can receive guidance to conduct a carbon footprint assessment or create a sustainable mobility plan. Tools like D-Carbonize simplify this process by identifying the most effective levers for each type of business activity.
Transport Decarbonisation: Benefits and Limitations
Benefits
Transport decarbonisation offers numerous environmental, economic, and health-related benefits. It significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change. It also improves air quality, especially in urban areas, leading to better public health by reducing respiratory illnesses.
Economically, transitioning to more efficient vehicles and shared infrastructure can cut energy consumption and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It also drives technological innovation and opens new job opportunities in the sustainable mobility sector.
Furthermore, decarbonisation enhances quality of life by promoting safer, quieter, and more accessible transportation modes. It supports the creation of a more resilient, equitable society focused on a sustainable future.
Limitations
Despite its many advantages, transport decarbonisation comes with several challenges. The high cost of low-carbon technologies remains a barrier for many households and small businesses—whether for electric vehicles, charging stations, or alternative fuels.
Infrastructure is not always adequate, particularly in rural or underserved areas, making the shift to sustainable transport modes more difficult. Electrifying the vehicle fleet alone is not enough—it requires sufficient low-carbon electricity production and responsible resource management (e.g., lithium, cobalt).
Changing behaviours is also a major hurdle. Mobility habits are deeply rooted, and without strong incentives, the adoption of soft mobility may remain marginal.
Finally, some solutions—such as biofuels or autonomous vehicles—still raise technical, environmental, and ethical questions. Decarbonisation is essential but must be part of a broader, gradual strategy that accounts for the economic and social realities of each region.
The Future of Transport Decarbonisation
The future of transport decarbonisation relies on a gradual but profound transformation of how we move. Faced with the climate emergency and the need to meet carbon neutrality targets, the coming decades will see an accelerated shift toward low-energy, smart, and shared mobility.
Low-carbon technologies continue to advance: increasingly efficient electric vehicles, green hydrogen for heavy transport, advanced biofuels, and carbon capture or offsetting solutions. At the same time, digitalisation of mobility services plays a key role in optimising travel and reducing consumption.
But the future of decarbonisation also depends on a cultural shift—reducing reliance on private cars, expanding public transit and soft mobility, and rethinking urban planning to favour proximity. The goal is to ensure a just and inclusive transition, accessible to all citizens and adapted to each region’s needs.
