The London Assembly has published plans detailing four ways in which the capital could decarbonise its operations, including public transport, to meet net-zero by 2030 – an accelerated target announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan in 2020. The plans are outlined in a new report, published this week. The city sought the help of strategic consultancy Element Energy to draw up four possible ways of delivering net-zero operational emissions in a manner consistent with – or more ambitious than – the Paris Agreement’s net-zero pathway. Detailed in the report is a scenario in which all major policy and regulatory barriers are removed (the ‘No Constraints’ scenario); alongside scenarios in which the Government and private sector throw increased weight behind either electrification or low-carbon hydrogen as a means to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors. The ‘No Constraints’ scenario would see London reducing direct emissions by 86% between 1990 and 2030. The pure-play hydrogen and electrification scenarios deliver reductions, within this timeframe, of 70% and 73% respectively. Another intermediate pathway, called the ‘Accelerated Green’ option, is also put forward, with a mix of hydrogen and electrification-based solutions and consideration of current policy constraints. It would, the report states, deliver a 78% reduction in London’s direct emissions between 1990 and 2030 – more than the national commitment of 68% under the Sixth Carbon Budget.
Edie 18th Jan 2022 read more »