Practical applications of carbon credits in the economy. Part XII: Developing green road transport towards net zero goals

DNHN - Developing green road transport has become a top priority. The Net Zero goal, meaning no additional greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, is a commitment that countries around the world are making and implementing.

Transition to green vehicles

At the COP26 conference, Vietnam committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, a strong and responsible commitment in the context of increasingly severe climate change with extreme weather phenomena such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and widespread wildfires around the world.

The transportation sector, especially road transport, plays a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions, accounting for up to 80% of the total emissions of the entire sector. Therefore, developing green road transport has become more urgent than ever. This not only helps to fulfill the Net Zero commitment but also opens up opportunities for the sector to move forward, modernize, and integrate with global trends and advanced technologies.

To achieve the Net Zero goal, transitioning from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to green vehicles is essential. Electric vehicles (EVs), vehicles powered by renewable energy sources such as electricity, hydrogen, or fuel cells, are suitable choices. The government and businesses need to invest in researching and developing advanced technology to produce green vehicles while creating favorable conditions for the public to transition to using these vehicles.

Developing public transportation and rail transport, which can efficiently transport large numbers of people and help reduce emissions from personal transport, is also important. The government should invest in public transport infrastructure and expand the railway network, while implementing policies to encourage the public to use public transport and railways by reducing ticket prices, improving service quality, and enhancing passenger convenience.

To promote the use of EVs and bicycles, supporting infrastructure such as charging stations, safe parking spaces for bicycles, and convenient cycling paths must be built. The government needs to invest in building and improving this infrastructure, and implement policies to encourage the public to use EVs and bicycles, including financial support and tax incentives.

Additionally, smart technology and autonomous vehicles can enhance efficiency and safety in road transport. Smart systems can help reduce traffic congestion and save energy, while autonomous vehicles can optimize travel routes and reduce emissions. The government and tech companies need to collaborate to develop and deploy these technologies while ensuring safety and privacy protection for the public.

Sharing vehicles such as cars, bicycles, and electric vehicles can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and decrease emissions. Governments and organizations need to create favorable conditions for vehicle sharing by implementing policies and building online platforms to facilitate easy vehicle sharing among the public.

Moving towards net zero

To push for reduced emissions, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has focused on promoting solutions, especially through the approval of the Action Program for Green Energy Transition and Carbon and Methane Emission Reduction in the transport sector. Decision No. 876/QD-TTg in July 2022 set clear targets, specific implementation roadmaps, and solutions to ensure effective environmental protection and sustainable development of the sector.

Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan has informed that many businesses in Vietnam have made strong efforts in transitioning to green energy by promoting domestic electric vehicle production and building charging infrastructure nationwide. At the same time, they have set new standards in environmental, social, and corporate governance activities. Decision No. 876/QD-TTg by the Prime Minister has approved the Action Program on green energy conversion, carbon and methane emission reduction in the transport sector. The Ministry of Transport has also introduced a series of support policies to encourage the transition to electric vehicles. However, the implementation of this conversion still faces numerous challenges, including inadequate charging infrastructure, high costs of electric vehicles, lack of consumer incentives, and insufficient awareness among agencies and businesses about the importance of transitioning to green energy.

According to the Institute of Strategy and Development for Transport, Vietnam is projected to reach emissions of about 64.3 million tons of CO2 by 2025 and 88.1 million tons of CO2 by 2030. Road transport, particularly in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, accounts for nearly 80% of the total emissions of the sector. Therefore, the government and the MOT are strongly focusing on CO2 reduction solutions in road transport, with a focus on transitioning from internal combustion engines to EVs and green energy vehicles.

Hanoi has led the way in green energy transition within the transport sector, deploying environmentally friendly public transport modes, including CNG buses, electric buses, electric taxis, urban rail, electric two-wheelers, and public bicycles. Of the 2,000 buses currently in operation, Hanoi has 277 electric and CNG buses, accounting for 13.6% of the total fleet.

According to the Hanoi Department of Transport, the transition is divided into two phases: phase 1 from 2025-2030, with an average conversion of 157 vehicles per year; and phase 2 from 2031-2035, with an average conversion of 162 vehicles per year. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City aims for 100% of new taxis to use electricity and green energy by 2030, and for 100% of buses and taxis to use green energy by 2050.

Developing green road transport is a crucial step towards achieving the Net Zero goal. To succeed, the government, technology companies, and the community must collaborate to invest in green vehicles, promote public transportation and rail transport, build supportive infrastructure for EVs and bicycles, use smart technology and autonomous vehicles, and encourage vehicle sharing. Only with collective efforts can we build a sustainable road transport system and achieve the Net Zero goal, protecting the environment and creating a bright future for future generations.

Nghe Nhan