Focus on Technology's Role in the Shift
The annual conference that began on 11 April included a workshop that focussed on technology's role in the shift. Participants received a number of questions that were later discussed in groups or answered on an individual basis.
The result of the workshop showed that approximately 60% of participants think that we place too much faith in technological development, but at the same time, approximately just as many participants believe that technology is very important for the shift.
Market introduction of known technology was deemed to be more important than more basic research and R&D. According to participants, the most important technologies on an overall level are electrification, biofuels, digitalisation, electric roads and fuel cells. In the short term, biofuels were the most important, whereas electrification was most important in the long term. A combination of biofuels, electrification and fuel cells was envisioned for long-distance transport.
It is hardly surprising that the participants considered electrification dominant for short-distance transport. With respect to the specific question about when electric roads can be established, 17% thought it would take place by 2025, 24% thought it would take place by 2030, 21% by 2040, 10% later and 24% thought that it would never happen.
The following technical aspects were emphasised for road transport, maritime shipping and railway
Road: Electrification, biofuels, digitalisation
Maritime: Biofuels, digitalisation, sails
Railway: Maintenance, reliability, capacity
"More than 80% of participants indicated that they wanted to become more involved in these issues, which is very promising. We are grateful for the high level of commitment during the workshop," says Patrik Klintbom, head of technology research, Triple F, who held the workshop.
The results from the workshop will be used in the technology establishment project within Triple F.