Sustainable Water Use for Decarbonizing the Transport Sector, not only complex but essential for a sustainable future. Transport plays a vital role in South Africa’s economic growth, but it is also a major energy consumer, accounting for 28% of the nation’s total energy use—97% of which comes from liquid fuels.
Electrifying the Future of Transport
Our vision is to accelerate the electrification of transport and build a robust charging infrastructure over the coming decades. By 2050, we aim for electricity to power 49% of all energy use in transport, a huge jump from just 1% in 2018. Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the heart of this transformation, expected to account for over 80% of all road transport activities by mid-century. To reach this milestone, we’ll need nearly one-third of light-duty vehicle sales and 20% of truck sales to be electric by 2030.
Expanding Biofuel Production and Achieving Efficiency
To complement this shift, liquid biofuel production must expand nearly fivefold by 2050 to meet 25% of the sector’s energy needs. Combined with rigorous energy efficiency measures and low-carbon strategies, total transport energy consumption could decrease from 121 exajoules (EJ) in 2018 to approximately 94 EJ by 2050. Strict efficiency standards for new vehicles alone could reduce cumulative road transport emissions by about 15 gigatons of CO₂-equivalent by 2050.
Global Impacts on Transportation and Sustainability
Globally, the transport sector consumes around 30% of total energy. Addressing its emissions is crucial for a sustainable future:
- Shipping plays a significant role, carrying 90% of global trade and generating 70% of global shipping emissions.
- Aviation, a high-impact greenhouse gas emitter, contributes about 2% of global emissions—a figure that could double by 2050 if left unchecked.
The Importance of Water in Supporting South Africa’s Transport Operations
Efficient water management is equally crucial in the decarbonization and operational sustainability of transport, particularly in South Africa. The growth in imports, fleet expansion, and vehicle usage places immense pressure on water resources. Truck and machinery maintenance often consume large amounts of water and rely on hazardous chemicals.
Innovative Water Solutions for Modern Logistics
Modern logistics systems aim to minimize water waste and maximize reuse. Wastewater from truck cleaning operations, full of contaminants, requires thorough treatment to prevent strain on municipal infrastructure. MEB leads the way in providing advanced industrial and commercial wastewater treatment solutions across Southern Africa. These systems not only support sustainability goals but also help businesses lower water, sewage, and waste management expenses.
A Sustainable Path Forward
Shifting to renewable and efficient transportation systems is critical to reducing environmental impacts and enabling global industries to thrive sustainably. With continued innovations in transport electrification, biofuels, and water system management, the path to a greener and more sustainable future is within reach.
