In the last few years, the transportation industry has started to realize the impact it has on our environment. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, it has been long linked to climate change.

The EPA stated that 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions in America came from transportation. Commercial ships, aircraft, boats, and trains all contribute to this. Statista reports that America produced 1.85 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO2) in 2023.

All this made the USD 7.31 trillion industry think about ways to reduce carbon emissions. They understood that if the vessels kept using fossil fuels, the emissions would increase by 60% in the next three decades.

There was only one solution—using sustainable innovations.

We need data-driven sustainable initiatives to help mitigate environmental impact and ensure an eco-friendly future. In this blog post, we’ll list a few that are paving the road for sustainable transport.

#1. Use of Hydrogen as a Fuel

The U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy reports that hydrogen can be used as a clean fuel in electricity generation and transportation applications. For example, it can be used in houses, in cars, for portable power, and more.

Moreover, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 classified hydrogen energy as an alternative to traditional vehicle fuel. The EIA mentions that hydrogen can power fuel cells with a unique zero-emission property. Hence, vehicles running on hydrogen power won’t emit greenhouse gasses or air pollutants.

About a month ago, an American shipping company, SWITCH Maritime, received approval for their hydrogen-powered ferry. Named the Sea Change, this will be the first ship for commercial operations to run on this energy source.

How is all of this possible, exactly? Well, it’s also thanks to the advancements in hydrogen storage technologies that the transportation industry can look at hydrogen as a promising alternative fuel.

Industry leaders state that it’s the key enabling technology that helps advance hydrogen fuel cells for portable, transportation, and stationary power. According to H2MOF, storing hydrogen at ambient temperatures and low pressure can help solve one of the greatest challenges facing the adoption of the hydrogen economy.

#2. Vehicle-To-Grid (V2G) Technology

According to a blog post by Virta Global, V2G technology enables energy to be sent back to the nation’s power grid from an electric vehicle (EV). In this technology, the EV’s battery gets discharged based on consumption and energy production signals nearby.

With V2G technology, we can also power bi-directional charging. That means people can charge the car’s battery from the stored energy in the power grid. The V2G technology market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.40% from 2022 to 2031, reaching USD 20.06 billion.

This flow of energy can help stabilize the grid and balance supply peaks with demand. For instance, it can enhance grid reliance and reliability for EVs. On the other hand, vehicle owners get to ‘sell’ the energy and gain financial incentives. An EV owner with a V2G charger can earn up to USD 15,000 over ten years.

V2G technology promotes sustainable practices to help reduce carbon footprints at home, leading to a smart change in the transportation industry.

#3. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)

According to the World Economic Forum, the Airports of Tomorrow (AoT) initiative is pushing for the adoption of SAF to reduce carbon emissions. Similarly, some airports have adopted electrification strategies and are using hydrogen fuel for sustainable air travel.

The U.S. Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) empowers aviation stakeholders and energy companies to support research and development into low-carbon SAF. It’s used to deliver optimal performance for petroleum-based jet fuel with just a fraction of the carbon footprint.

With this, airlines can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards sustainability on flights. Federal government agencies are still on the verge of developing a comprehensive strategy to scale new technologies for SAF production on a commercial scale. SAFs are truly a solution to the 9% GHG emissions from aircraft in the transportation industry.

The best part is that SAF can be produced from waste resources and renewable biomass. Examples include oil seeds, corn grains, algae, agricultural residues, wood mill waste, etc. Hence, SAF production can pave the way for extra revenue for farmers, improved aircraft performances, and better environmental services.

The innovations mentioned in this article will help address the current challenges of the transportation industry and pave the way for a sustainable future. With these, leaders can ensure transport is accessible, environmentally responsible, and efficient.

Examples include hydrogen energy, V2G technology, and SAFs. These sustainable innovations will integrate into the transport industry and continue to evolve, reduce carbon footprints, improve air quality, etc. For many countries, these can also drive economic growth and enhance societal benefits.