Professor Bidisha Ghosh's recent presentation was a key part of the European Supply Chain Day at Trinity College Dublin. Organised by E3's Michael Lynham, the event brought together leading experts to discuss the biggest challenges facing the industry today. Her talk, titled “Decarbonising the Irish Freight Sector – A Microscopic Approach,” was a highlight, shedding valuable light on a critical area of our economy: freight.
It's no secret that Ireland faces a significant task in tackling climate change, with the transport sector being one of the main contributors. While passenger electric vehicles often capture the headlines, Professor Ghosh’s presentation highlighted just how crucial it is to steer our freight operations toward a net-zero future.
Professor Ghosh, who heads the QUANT group in the School of Engineering at TCD, is an expert in using data-driven methods to inform decisions in transport and energy systems. Her research, which has been used by organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the UK government, has a proven track record of real-world impact. This latest presentation, however, focused specifically on the unique challenges and conditions we face in Ireland.
A Microscopic Look at a Macro Problem
Professor Ghosh's research is a powerful blend of empirical data and real-world observation. It draws from three major national projects: ECOHDV, MAPHDV, and DRIFTHDV. These projects were funded by organisations like the Department of Transport, the EPA, and SEAI, underscoring the serious national commitment to this issue.
The data shows that in 2021, heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) – the large trucks on our motorways – were responsible for a substantial 18% of all transport emissions. When you include light goods vehicles (LGVs), the total rises to nearly a third of all transport-related emissions. This is a significant figure, and it's particularly concerning given that this sector is projected to grow in line with our economic expansion.
The research also highlighted a major obstacle: the slow adoption of electric and other alternative-fuelled trucks. This is not solely an Irish issue but a Europe-wide challenge, primarily because there is a limited number of models available on the market. Consequently, the vast majority of our freight fleet continues to rely on diesel.
The High Cost of Doing Business
One of the most striking findings from the research is that Irish freight vehicles consume more fuel on average than their European counterparts. Professor Ghosh noted that while the EU average for fuel consumption is around 30 litres per 100 kilometres, some Irish haulage sectors, such as timber transport, recorded figures as high as 48.86 litres per 100 kilometres. This is not just an environmental problem; it represents a significant financial burden for haulage companies, as fuel is often their single largest expense. This high consumption rate is a clear indicator that a change in practices is urgently needed.
The research also revealed a notable disconnect between policymakers and hauliers. The MAPHDV project conducted in-person interviews with haulage company owners, in collaboration with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA). They found that while policymakers and stakeholders are focused on long-term goals like a full fleet transition to electric vehicles, the hauliers themselves are more concerned with short-term viability. They are willing to invest in newer, more efficient Euro 6 vehicles, but the high cost and limited availability of electric or alternative-fuelled trucks mean these are not yet a practical option. As Professor Ghosh explained, "They will not be able to operate in the long term if the business is not profitable in the short term."
Small Changes, Big Impact: The Microscopic Approach
This is where the "microscopic approach" becomes vital. Instead of just looking at the aggregate picture, Professor Ghosh’s team delved into the specifics of how individual trucks operate. For the ECOHDV project, they used a device called a VBox to collect real-time data from trucks as they travelled across Ireland. This provided "naturalistic" data on driver behaviour, including speed, acceleration, and torque.
By analysing this data, they were able to demonstrate that small behavioural changes can have a big impact. For example, simple eco-driving training, which teaches drivers to accelerate and brake more smoothly, can lead to significant reductions in both emissions and fuel consumption. This is a "softer" measure that does not require a large capital investment. The research also highlighted other opportunities for improvement, such as eliminating barriers at toll booths to reduce unnecessary idling. Simulation models showed that removing the need for trucks to stop and start at tolls would result in a meaningful reduction in emissions.
The research also revealed that the largest drains on fuel and the biggest sources of emissions occur in our urban areas, not on motorways. The stop-and-go nature of urban driving demands more energy. This insight is invaluable for future policy development, suggesting that efforts to decarbonise must be specifically tailored to our urban conditions.
A New Way of Measuring: The Irish Drive Cycle
The DRIFTHDV project took this microscopic approach a step further. The standard method for calculating emissions in Europe relies on a software tool called COPERT, which uses a generic European driving cycle. Professor Ghosh's team recognised that this might not accurately reflect driving conditions in Ireland. To address this, they used their collected data to create a unique "Irish drive cycle," which represents how people actually drive on our freeways, regional roads, and in our cities.
The results were compelling. The Irish drive cycle showed a significant difference in fuel consumption and emissions in urban settings compared to the standard European model. This is because our urban driving patterns, with more frequent stops and starts, are distinct. By contrast, the differences were less pronounced on regional and highway routes. This is a crucial finding, as it indicates that to effectively meet our emissions targets, we need to develop policies that are specifically tailored to our unique urban driving environment.
The research also examined the effects of other seemingly minor factors, such as idling and road gradient. It found that a mere 4% reduction in idling could lead to significant fuel savings. Similarly, choosing routes with a lower gradient could also improve fuel efficiency. These detailed, data-driven insights can cumulatively lead to a substantial difference in the long run.
Professor Ghosh concluded her presentation with a call for more action and a clear set of recommendations. She emphasised the need for an increase in data collection to better understand the specifics of the Irish freight sector. She also argued that while the ultimate goal is a net-zero fleet, we cannot afford to overlook transitional, "softer" measures like eco-driving and barrier-free tolling. These measures have the potential to reduce emissions by 5-10% in the short term, which is a significant achievement while the industry awaits more affordable and widely available electric trucks.
Ultimately, the key to success lies in supporting the hauliers themselves. The government and policymakers must understand their challenges and provide incentives and support that are both practical and achievable. The research conducted by Professor Ghosh and her team provides a robust evidence base for these policies, ensuring that our decarbonisation efforts are not based on guesswork but on proven strategies. It is a vital body of work that shows that to solve a major problem, you must first understand the smaller details.
With the right data and a collaborative approach, we can set our freight sector on a clear and sustainable path toward a greener future.