The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) hosted its second Alternative Fuel Summit, which was held to assist freight industry operators and suppliers prepare for a future powered by renewable energy.
Un the theme of Decarbonisation for the Road Transport Industry – Next Steps, close to 200 delegates heard from more than a dozen experts from industry, academia, government, regulators and suppliers on the latest technology, policy and regulation on energy consumption, alternative fuels, hydrogen, and electric vehicles.
“The road transport industry is now firmly on a path towards decarbonisation as jurisdictions in Australia and around the world start to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels,” says VTA CEO Peter Anderson.
“This is what inspired our inaugural summit last year as transport operators are at various stages of decarbonising but are eager to understand where and how to start the journey. Decarbonisation can be a difficult concept for operators to get their minds across but it’s important that they do because the low and no carbon future is already upon us.”
The program was designed around the four pillars of Targets and Regulation, Alternative Fuel Sources, Equipment, and the Commercial Realities of Alternative Fuels, with presenters giving generously of their time and expertise in helping delegates on their decarbonisation journey.
Peter says accepting the reality of climate change the importance of decarbonising is an important step, but it is the pathway towards transition that is most difficult.
“We have targets from governments, but we have little assistance and no definitive direction that can be implemented based upon current expectations around cost reductions,” he adds.
“Operators need better certainty to make confident decisions and investments, and the information presented today will really help to inform their journey towards decarbonisation.”
Delegates heard from representatives from the University of Melbourne, Swinburne University, Freight Victoria, Viva Energy Australia, Lochard Energy, HAMR Energy, NewVolt, Hino, Volvo Group, Daimler Trucks, Hyzon, Sustainable Vehicle Solutions, Team Global Express, Australia Post, DHL and Crown Coaches.
The Alternative Fuel Summit was generously sponsored by CMV Truck & Bus and Viva Energy Australia.
For more information on the Victorian Transport Association, click here.