About the project
Sustainable and renewable transport policy formulation in Latvia
Title: Sustainable and renewable transport policy formulation in Latvia
Summary
The transport sector consumes about a third of the total energy consumption in Latvia, and this energy is mainly of fossil origin. At the same time, the European Union’s common goal is to achieve a 14% share of renewable energy in transport by 2030. Experience to date has shown that the broader penetration of renewable energy in the transport sector is slow. The project “Sustainable and renewable transport policy formulation in Latvia” aims to find the best solution for increasing the share of renewable energy in the transport sector, taking into account economic, environmental, and social aspects. This will be done in close cooperation with the industry to strengthen the practical application of scientific approaches. The most significant results of the project include a new computer simulation model, policy recommendations, a renewable energy strategy for the transport sector, and public information.
Project action plan
1. Project management
Work package No. 1 (WP1) aims to ensure accessible communication between all staff involved, ensure the timely delivery of milestones and scientific results, discuss various project implementation issues, and justify the use of the budget, taking care of the overall progress of the project.
Duration: 1st - 36th month
2. Research on existing framework conditions and best practices
Work package No. 2 (WP2) aims to lay the groundwork for future work packages. The research will be done through an in-depth analysis of Latvia’s current state of renewable energy to clearly define the boundaries of the system, the existing market design and stakeholders, available resources, and technological knowledge potential.
Duration: 1st - 12th month
3. Perspectives on value chains
Aim: Work Package No. 3 (WP3) aims to explore potential strategies for enhancing the use of renewable energy sources in transport in Latvia. Work Package 3 (WP3) will focus on two leading technologies recognised by the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia, namely biogas and modern biofuels. In addition, electricity and hydrogen/fuel cell platforms will be analysed, taking into account technical, economic and environmental aspects and resource availability. The study covers the following issues: (i) resource availability and potential production capacity, (ii) GHG emissions, (iii) energy consumption, (iv) level of development of fuel production, (v) direct and indirect costs and benefits. Work Package No.3 (WP3) results support the modelling process in Work Package No.4 (WP4) and develop innovative strategies to promote renewable energy in the transport sector.
Duration: 7th - 24th month
4. Integrated transport system analysis
Work Package No. 4 (WP4) aims to develop a new energy economy simulation tool to analyse policy measures and develop strategies using a system dynamics modelling methodology. The results from work packages No. 2 and No. 3 (WP2 and WP3) will create possible scenarios for achieving the renewable energy targets in the transport sector in Latvia by 2030.
Duration: 25th -34th month
5. Viable transition solutions and management
Work Package No. 5 (WP5) will develop policy recommendations to inform decision-makers about policy options and scenarios based on evidence from the 4muLATe model. Work Package 5 (WP5) integrates all the socio-economic, technical, environmental, and market analyses in Work Package No. 2-4 (WP2-WP4) into a policy framework that addresses environmental, social and economic issues in the transport sector.
Duration: 25th – 34th month
6. Communication and dissemination of results
Work Package No. 6 (WP6) aims to prepare scientific publications based on fundamental research findings and milestones, attend conferences, prepare popular scientific publications, organise information campaigns and activities, and prepare a final report. A knowledge platform will be set up to exchange project results and other information relevant to scientists and stakeholders outside the project environment.